On December 1, 1970, the Fiji Government formally acquired a sophisticated computer system, according to a report by The Fiji Times. The then Minister of Finance, W. Barrett, announced that this new technology had the potential to establish Suva as the data processing hub for the South Pacific.
The computer, which was to be set up at St Stephens House following its renovation—costing approximately $100,000—was leased from International Computers Ltd of New Zealand. T. Hartrick, the general manager of ICL, officially transferred the system to Mr. Barrett during a ceremony that was attended by around 40 government officials and representatives from various businesses.
Mr. Barrett emphasized the significance of the computer, stating it would equip the government with essential planning and oversight information across multiple domains. The system was already being utilized for crucial tasks such as managing civil service payroll, trade statistics, income tax processes, and school census operations.
Ultimately, there are plans for this computer system to evolve into a regional data processing center, capable of serving the various territories and smaller nations throughout the South Pacific.
This advancement not only highlights Fiji’s commitment to modernizing its administrative capabilities but also its ambition to take on a leadership role in the region’s technological landscape. The establishment of such infrastructure may lead to improved efficiency in governance and could foster stronger connections among Pacific nations, assisting them in addressing shared challenges collaboratively.
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