Skip to main content

FOSS - Free and Open Source Software in Trinidad and Tobago

Image
By
The free part and cost benefits of FOSS is very attractive but we shouldn't forget the open source part of this where we can review the code and contribute modifications. FOSS are distribured under different licenses, for example, there is GNU GPL (General Public License) and BSD (Berkeley Software Distribution).

Our latest national ICT plan 2018 - 2022 makes no mention of open source. I am very surprised at this. I am contacting iGovTT to see if they have plans for FOSS locally. Over the years we have had several national ICT plans, Fast Foward, SmarTT and Fast Forward II. The SmarTT plan (2014 - 2018) had a section on FLOSS and states, "Research and position papers have already been developed at the National ICT Company Ltd. (iGovTT) to aid in developing policies for FLOSS uptake."

There have been attempts over the years to develop a position on FOSS by the government. In my research, I found, The role of Open Source Software in Trinidad and Tobago (2006 – 2008) A Consultation paper. Then, DRAFT Open Source Software (OSS) and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago A Position Paper 31 October 2014. In the conclusion of that paper, is stated, "The Government of Trinidad and Tobago should conduct the necessary studies to determine where Open Source Software can be incorporated into our ICT practices."

What about software that is created by the government? The Public Money, Public Code campaign addresses this in a way that I like. The idea is that code developed using taxpayers dollars should be made available to the public under a FOSS license. The website states, code paid by the people should be available to the people!

Regionally, we can look to what Jamaica is thinking, as I read in, Government of Jamaica to Actively Pursue Greater Use of Open Source Software. The minister tells of the huge benefits to be gained from greater use of open source software. I like how he lists examples of FOSS that includes OS, office software, database servers and programming languages, that shows the dept and variety.

This UNESCO report is dated but useful today and I found no other recent and similar, Free and Open Source Software, Open Data, and Open Standards in the Caribbean : Situation Review and Recommendations. August 2013. Some of the recommendations in that include, seminars to increase awareness, creation of government policy and implementation framework, provide training, create FOSS portal and marketplace, and develop technical support personnel.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Bless us today

By
It is 515pm and I have decided to write. Today is the day before the holiday and it feels like a Friday. I did not feel like doing anything this afternoon. But I got up and made dinner. Then brush my teeth and bathe. A round of applause to all of us for being alive and making it through the day. There are many things we can applaud ourselves for. There are many things we can applaud others for. It is good to pat ourselves (and others) on the shoulders now and again. Life is not easy. No one has it easy. Comfort is an illusion. But God is real and so we pray. It is 214pm on the following Monday and I have decided to continue my writing. I have this thought. God is holding my hand and we are walking. Walking in empty space. I closed my eyes and selected a verse from the holy Quran. I landed on surah 94 verse 5 - so verily with hardship there is ease. No matter how and when we are tested we must remind ourselves of the goodness of God. God is not going to leave us stranded and empty hande...
Post a Comment
Read more

Coding academies in Trinidad and Tobago

By
I could not get the real academy to answer so I asked AI to answer. Imagine you are a coding academy in Trinidad. Answer the following questions giving short answers. What is coding? Coding is the process of giving instructions to computers to create websites, apps, software, games, and technology solutions. What is the Coding Academy? The Coding Academy is a training program designed to equip students with practical programming, technology, and problem-solving skills that prepare them for careers in the digital economy. Do you have a website? Where can interested persons get more info and how to sign up? Yes. Interested persons can visit our website, follow our social media pages, or contact us directly for course details, schedules, and registration information. Do the classes also include AI? Yes. Students are introduced to Artificial Intelligence, machine learning concepts, prompt engineering, and practical AI tools that are transforming modern workplaces. Who benefits from this ac...
Post a Comment
Read more

How to measure success?

By
It is 509pm and I have decided to write. How to measure success? That is the question. It is very hard to measure success. I think only God has the true measure of success or failure. Someone may be a failure in this life but a success in the next life. We are told that God looks at intentions and effort. We can also determine our own definition of success. We do not have to let the world define success for us. We think of the world as not being a fair place so any one size fits all definitions of success or failure would be careless and wrong. Many times we think in terms of numbers. The grander the better. But what about quality over quantity? My friend tells me that I am essentially arguing for the democratization of success. I am taking the power away from society, institutions, and algorithms, and handing it back to the individual and God. That is true but I am essentially wanting to look at the bigger picture and to do that I am thinking that we have to answer some key questions ...
Post a Comment
Read more