MAR 06

The Grenada Communal Co-operative Credit Union (GCCCU) this week launched its newest loan product the "Communal Pentium 4 Computer Loan".

According to the GCCCU president, Lydia Courtney, the project which is the first of its kind for the organisation's over 7000 members will afford them a good opportunity to purchasing a computer.

She said that the PC Internet Literacy package includes a state of the art computer, Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS), and HP color printer from the Grand Anse-based Nutmeg PC, as well as unlimited internet service from Cable and Wireless.

Financing for the package will be made available by Communal Co-operative while the computer, color printer & UPS will be provided by Nutmeg PC . Cable & Wireless is offering a 30% discount on unlimited dial up Internet access to persons involved in the project.

Courtney said that in today's world, computer literacy is no longer an option and a computer with internet access is a mandatory household item similar to a cooker, refrigerator or washing machine.

She indicated that small business need to improve their efficiency, as well as maintenance of records, invoicing, correspondence, and business data performance.

"Very soon there will be no place in our world for persons who are not computer literate", she said. "There has been much advocacy in our country about information and communication technology both by Government and other individuals; however there is no evidence of action on the part of anyone, neither Government nor the private sector", she added.

During the launching, C&W's Corporate Communications Manager Richard Simon said that if the customer does not have a Cable and Wireless account then all the person need to do is come into the office to set up a new account.
He pointed out that all existing customers will be accepted in the programme without a credit check.

"Customers also wishing to upgrade to broadband service will be entitled to a free broadband modem and free installation", he remarked. Some of the benefits persons can enjoy by signing up for the package includes free service for the first month, a 12-month contract where the customer pays for only 11 months and a monthly charge of EC$99.00 for unlimited dial-up on the package.

Nutmeg PC's Tim Viljoen in his remarks complemented the strategic partners for their foresight. He said that all of the computers will be backed by a three year warranty and that if something goes wrong with the product within that time, his company will repair it within forty-eight (48) hours or replace it with a new computer.

"We have been operating in Grenada for over two years and we believe that we have developed a strong reputation having sold over 500 computers in Grenada", Viljoen said.