FRIDAY 01 MARCH 2024, PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO –  On Wednesday 28 February 2024, Pandemonium, Trinidad All Stars and Valley Harps Steel Orchestras celebrated the opening of technology centres at their panyards in a joint event hosted by Pandemonium at 3 Norfolk Street, Belmont.

These are the first three of eight technology centres to open at panyards this year courtesy of the Digicel Foundation’s Technology in Education (TIE) Programme, in partnership with PanTrinbago. Each centre is equipped with five computers, a printer, furniture, air-conditioning units, and one year of free high-speed internet from Digicel Plus.

“These centres are not just spaces with computers and printers; they are vibrant hubs of empowerment, designed to increase access to the internet and unleash the power of technology,” said Abraham Smith, CEO of Digicel Trinidad & Tobago and Digicel Foundation Board Member. He called on the audience to imagine the exciting opportunities these centres will create – from budding musicians composing and arranging music to Belmont residents exploring business ventures using technology.

During the launch, PRO for Trinidad All Stars Staci-Ann Patrick thanked the Digicel Foundation on behalf of all three bands for its important investment in youth pannists who she hailed as “the melody of our country.”Desiree Myers, Chairman of Northern Region PanTrinbago, shared, “We are extremely enthused and excited at this partnership aimed at youth empowerment and at the continued synergistic relationship with the Digicel Foundation.” 

This is the second year of the Digicel Foundation’s TIE programme, which aims to help bridge the digital divide by increasing access to the internet and technology in underserved communities.   The Digicel Foundation’s overall investment of TT$540,000 in eight TIE Centres at panyards reflects its ongoing commitment to culture and community development.