It was a jubilant occasion for students and staff of Community Action Now (CAN) last Friday, Feb. 24, as they, along with facilitators at the Romeo Malone Community Center, welcomed the addition of a brand-new computer lab from the International Game Technology (IGT) team, and managers and operators of the Caribbean Lottery.
A morning event that marked the launch of a second International Game Technology After School Advantage (ASA) Center in the USVI saw several representatives from Caribbean Lottery, Romeo Malone Community Center and Community Action Now gathering at the newest location, based in Stille Gade, Charlotte Amalie, for a ceremonial opening of the high-tech computer facility.
The general manager of International Game Technology Antilles Operations, Shelly Ann Hee Chung, described the occasion as a “proud moment” for IGT and Caribbean Lottery, noting that it was the second International Game Technology After School Advantage Center to be established in the territory.
“Today’s presentation will bring to two, the number of IGT ASA Centers based here in USVI, following the launch of our first ASA Center at the Queen Louise Home for Children in St. Croix in 2010,” said Hee Chung. “This state-of-the-art computer center that IGT and Caribbean Lottery will hand over today to the Community Action Now team for students and staff at the Romeo Malone Centre is the 39th technology facility of its kind to be opened within the English-speaking Caribbean under our flagship philanthropic initiative, the IGT ASA program.”
As of February 2023, the International Game Technology After School Advantage program donated over 30 computers and supporting accessories to Community Action Now. This investment now brings computer and internet access to over 40 students and other residents of the community who are engaged in the various programs organized by CAN at the community center. It also makes room for other youngsters, who do not have devices or internet at home, to complete school assignments.
“IGT and its subsidiaries are always eager to provide digital learning opportunities for our very talented young people in an environment that nurtures their noblest impulses and creativity in an ever-evolving digital society. We all seek to transform, for the best, the communities in which we operate so that they will become sustainable and be known as hubs of economic activity and opportunity,” said Hee Chung, who lauded the Community Action Now team for building the Romeo Malone Community Center for the benefit of hundreds of residents, including youth.
Director of Community Action Now, Iffat Walker expressed gratitude on behalf of the entire Community Action Now and Romeo Malone team for the years of support for the various initiatives that they have received from the International Game Technology team.
With this latest International Game Technology After School Advantage Center in the USVI, it is expected that more youth from the territory will be immersed in various STEM and career development initiatives organized by IGT and its subsidiaries through the International Game Technology After School Advantage program.
