Rural folk living in a wired world

Dennie Quill, Gleaner Columnist

These days, more and more people are using the Internet for a variety of reasons - ranging from accessing emails to making bill payments and online purchases.

Aside from those who log on to do research, many others are now being driven to the Internet by businesses.

I have come to realise, in recent weeks, how Internet penetration has dramatically altered the way business is conducted in Jamaica and the rest of the world. Even when we fear inputting confidential information online, we must admit that many everyday activities can be accurately and efficiently conducted on the 'Net.

For example, if you plan to visit London using the services of British Airways, it's no longer possible to walk into an airline office in Kingston and make travel arrangements. Back in the day, it was not unusual for a rural farmer to turn up with wads of cash to purchase an airline ticket. Today, the purchase has to be made online using a credit card, or one may use the services of a travel agency.

Bill payment, the bane of our existence, is gradually becoming an online activity too. For example, the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) no longer accepts cheque payments via agencies like Paymaster. Banks no longer accept JPS payments, and the usually cramped office on Ruthven Road is a huge turn-off for most people. However, given the high utility bills being received today, no one relishes walking around with piles of cash to pay bills. Therefore, online payment is looking like an attractive option for more customers.

If you are applying for an American visa, for example, the entire transaction - from getting an appointment to completing the application form and uploading the photo - has to be done online. Here again, those without access to a computer or who are not computer literate may use a travel agency to complete the application process.

There's no turning back

I have cited the above examples to drive home the point that whether we like it or not, Internet usage is fast becoming part of our daily routine. But while the Internet has taken root in cities and townships, the sad fact is that thousands in rural villages are largely disconnected.

This leads me to consider how rural folk, such as a typical farmer or fisherman, will manage in the wired world that demands computer literacy and Internet savvy. Although we often see signs promoting Wi-Fi service or Internet cafes in some townships, we know that low income and low literacy, which are characteristics of rural life, will effectively exclude many rural people from accessing these services.

Without the benefit of a survey, one cannot be sure whether the majority of Jamaicans would agree that one of the Government's priorities should be to encourage the expansion of broadband technology in a targeted programme for the benefit of rural folk. But if we are to achieve the lofty development goals set by our Government, we may have to rethink our priorities.

People are now taking advantage of the Internet to create business opportunities and to attract investments to their communities. We believe that such focus on rural communities will also serve to narrow the social and economic inequities between urban and rural life.

I foresee a future where schools, churches, libraries and post offices will have a great impact on the lives of rural folk, because they will all have technology centres where community members can come to be educated in the use of the computer. The ability of agriculturists to access information about the latest farm technology and use of pesticides, or market information, or tracking the weather, is one of the obvious benefits to be accrued.

My bright idea for today is that in the same way that Government has been able to bring electricity to remote areas of the country, through the Rural Electrification Programme, the education, agriculture and commerce ministries should come together to increase Internet penetration across Jamaica.

Dennie Quill is a veteran media practitioner. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and denniequill@hotmail.com.