Photos and interviews by Sara Bharrat
Nikki Dey, cosmetologist
I use the computer to browse the internet, send text messages and to download and listen to music. For me it’s all about relaxing. When I get on the computer it’s to have fun and get some entertainment. However, the thing I like best is the flexibility the computer allows with pictures. I get to locate any picture; of my favourite celebrity for instance. The computer makes it easier for me to seek entertainment and is very educational.’
Natoya Phonix, student
‘I don’t own a computer but I use one every now and again. I play computer games, which I prefer over Nintendo, because it’s more fun and you’re able to better absorb the game because of the larger display image. The major reason I don’t own a computer is because it is expensive to buy one here. The secondary school I attended did not have a computer. I think it is very important that every school has at least one computer so that students who can’t afford computers can at least have a chance to use one while at school.’
Kimberly Bruce, private sector employee
‘I spend majority of my time in front of a computer because I use one to do my job. I work for a phone company and so I use programmes to unlock phones and other such things. It is kind of tiring being constantly in front of the computer and most of the time I only use it when necessary at home. In terms of using the computer for entertainment I don’t really use it to listen to music or anything like that.’
Nichola Lee-Pong,
customer service clerk
‘My work requires that I use a computer and so I use one once I’m at work. I use various programmes to provide customers with their services. However, using the same set of programmes repeatedly becomes tiresome. I spend so much time on the computer at work that by the time I get home I don’t want to see one. I spend so many hours in front of the computer that my eyes hurt and the computer I use doesn’t have an antiglare screen. In fact, I was not even aware that it should have one. I also use the computer to send emails which is a faster and more effective method of communication as opposed to the mailing system.’
Sherry Boodhoo, self-employed
‘I don’t own a computer but I use one every now and again. In fact, before I got married I used to attend computer classes. Back then technology was the going thing and everyone was rushing it. The fees were expensive back then and they still are, by the time you reach to a certain stage with the classes you have to stop if you can’t afford the increased fees. When I was at the classes I learnt the basics like how to type, surf the internet and use various programmes. I believe that a person is never too old to learn and everyone once they can afford should take classes and acquaint themselves with the computer.’
Brian Fredericks,
trainee cellular phone technician
‘I’m a phone technician so the computer is an important part of my job. I’ve been in the profession for three years now and I use a series of programmes that allow me to upgrade phones, unlock them and other such things. I don’t seek much entertainment from the computer. I prefer to interact with real people instead of a machine. I’m not the type to spend hours in front of a computer. Young people are too dependent on computers in this day and age. They use it to do any and everything and this is causing us to lose our manual skills. For example; to do a simple calculation like 5+5 they rely on the computer and when the computer can’t do it for them they don’t know how to do the calculation mentally.’
Navendra Dharmolgum,
private sector employee
‘I use a computer at work to receive and prepare sale invoices and other such things. I don’t own one myself and the first time I used one was at computer classes a few years ago. The first few times using a computer was a bit difficult but as I got used to it, it became easier. I didn’t complete my computer classes because the cost is high but I definitely plan to pursue them in the future because technology is the going thing now.’
Eddie Samad, self-employed
‘Entertainment and communication are what I use the computer for most of the time. I check my email, chat and from time to time I watch movies. However, I prefer to view movies on my television because the screen is larger and it has a better sound system. The internet is a very useful resource to people from all age groups. It allows us to do research but it also has a bad influence on young people. Children can access a wide range of materials via the internet; even things they should not be seeing such as pornography. The computer is 50% good and 50% bad. It is educational but it makes it hard to limit what our young people see.’
Samantha Porter, cosmetologist
‘Computer dealers are exploiting consumers. They over charge us for the products and because of the expensive prices many people cannot afford to buy a computer. I’m into it but I do not own one for this same reason but I access one from an internet café. I check my email, chat and surf the entertainment. Chatting and emailing are cheaper methods of communicating with my relatives abroad. I don’t shop online because I don’t trust it. There are so many cases of internet fraud that it’s hard to know when you’re getting the real thing.’
Patricia Green, industrial nurse
‘Maybe once or twice a week I would get on the computer, whether it’s for work or personal use. I surf the internet and shop online and of course I use it for all my word processing needs as well. I’ve shopped online quite a few times but often the products I receive don’t look the same as in the picture that prompted me to buy them in the first place. I do not indulge in chatting and I do not think it should be encouraged among our children. Parents should restrict children from chatting. The people children chat with online are strangers and you don’t know who is who. It is very dangerous to allow strangers open access to children and so parents should monitor what their children do while on the computer.’
