By Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter
Indian High Commissioner Inder Vir Chopra (second left) chats with Caswell Brown (left) and Jodi-Ann Simmonds after Minister of Commerce, Science and Technology Philip Paulwell (right) had presented the two trainees with their tickets to India for training under the Indian Technical and Economic Co-operation programme. Commissioner Chopra hosted a send-off for the trainees. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
IT'S OFF to India for two Jamaicans as part of a training programme between the governments of the two countries.
So two Friday nights ago, in the living room of the High Commissioner's home, the two, Jodi-Ann Simmonds and Caswell Brown, got the chance to mingle and learn about the country they will study and live in for three months. They are in the land of Bombay and New Delhi now as they left for New York at about 7 a.m. the next day. After disembarking, it's a short change to an Air India flight and 13 hours later, India!
MUNCHING ON
TRADITIONAL INDIAN FOOD
So, while munching on traditional Indian food, they received a few tips from persons who have been to the subcontinent before, including Ambassador Peter King. Who to talk to, what to do and maybe the address of a couple of places to hang out were all part of the advice package. Three months might not seem long but the training is, reportedly, intense. They should have enough time to do a little shopping though.
JAMAICAN REPRESENTATIVES
The Government of India offers scholarships for different areas of study. According to High Commissioner Chopra, the scholarships are there to be had; the onus is then on the participating countries to decide what areas they want to specify and which bright young minds should get the chance. So far, Jamaica has sent four representatives; all from the information technology sector.
India is one of the leading countries in the IT field and the awardees should learn a thing or two at CMC Ltd. in New Delhi. The training is part of the Indian government's Indian Technical and Economic Co-operation (ITEC) programme. Air fare, cost of training and boarding are all paid for by the Indian government.
