Gov’t communication unit clamours for resources

Arlene Penn

The government’s information and public relations arm said it does not have adequate resources to do its job more effectively, adding that it needs more than $114,000 to purchase equipment and a vehicle.

Director of Communications for the government Arlene Penn said her department requested some important items in the 2016 budget, but they were not provided.

Therefore, she again requested them this year.

Penn recently told the parliament’s Standing Finance Committee that her team has to be using ‘outdated equipment that malfunctioned often’ although it is trying to work swiftly in an era of modern technology.

She also noted that communication is an important part of Government deliverables, and she trusted that her department will get the necessary support.

Penn said her department’s first need is for a reliable motor vehicle, considering that the one now available is ‘more of a liability than an asset’. The vehicle is more than 10 years old.

Acting Chief Information Officer Desiree Smith said the department had requested a 2016 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van that costs $32,900. Smith added that the vehicle would be large enough to hold the equipment and the team responsible for the equipment.

The department also said it needs equipment for the field, studio, and photography. According to Smith, the equipment would have been sourced from a company in the United States, and would have cost $81,175.38. Those equipment included several cameras and other necessary equipment for the audio/visual unit.

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