00:00Crucially, Mr. Speaker, the distribution of laptops to the schools is scheduled to commence tomorrow, Tuesday, November 27, 2025.
00:12The announcement by Education Minister Dr. Michael Dowlath in the House of Representatives on Wednesday
00:18as he responded to questions from Opposition MP and former Education Minister Dr. Nyan Gat Spidoli.
00:25Minister Dowlath recalled the decision made by the Cabinet in August of this year.
00:30The estimated cost of supplying the 18,000 laptops and accessories is $135 million.
00:38Part D, TSTT was engaged through a Memorandum of Understanding, an MOU dated 17th of September, 2025,
00:48and will utilize the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property Act to procure suppliers of laptops.
00:56The program was first introduced during the 2010-2015 UNC-led administration.
01:03It was over the past 10 years that the PNM government failed to provide laptops for all Form 1 students.
01:10And so, the delivery of the 18,000 laptops is planned to coincide with the commencement of distribution to Form 1 students by the end of this term, of this academic year.
01:29I want to thank our Honourable Prime Minister for reigniting this program.
01:36The Education Minister made reference to three dates as he spoke about how the laptops are being delivered by the vendor.
01:442,500 units were delivered yesterday, November 25, 2025, with the remaining units scheduled as follows.
02:008,500 units on December 3, 2025 and the final 7,000 on December 23, 2025.
02:09The Opposition MP sought further clarification about whether the laptops were procured by TSTT or a contractor.
02:16The Education Minister said he would provide that answer in writing.
02:20The process used to select the suppliers.
02:23Would the Minister be aware if it was sole select or whether it was competitive tendering?
02:30Minister.
02:31Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, the tendering process was conducted by TSTT, so the details can follow in writing.
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