Technocrats across several government departments are gaining hands-on experience in a geographic mapping exercise designed to familiarize them with the latest technology in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

The training is being facilitated by two technicians from Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), under an initiative called the Project to Strengthen Saint Lucia’s Capacities for the Design and Update of Coastline Geographic Information.

In remarks at the opening of the training exercise, Saint Lucia’s Ambassador to Mexico, HE Peter Lansiquot, acknowledged the value of the training.

“Governments need to take a geographic approach to meet priorities and refine policies,” he said. He also underscored the value of the technology in “health, equity, land management and crime fighting.”

Ambassador Lansiquot’s sentiments were echoed by his Mexican counterpart, HE Ambassador Luis Manuel Lopez Monero, who stressed the necessity for technicians to increase their capacity in geographic systems, as it will allow them to “understand the use of the technology and how to process the information”. He said the Government of Mexico is pleased to provide such training, as it strengthens areas of technical cooperation between the two countries.

Susanna Aurelien, Geographic Information Officer within the Department of Infrastructure, welcomed the training which she said will allow government agencies to share data especially on the National Data Spatial Infrastructure Project. The project sets standards, manages, and shares geographic information.

In attendance at the GIS training sessions are technocrats from the Department of Physical Development and Urban Renewal, the Department of Finance, the Department of Fisheries, the Department of Infrastructure, and the ministries of Home Affairs and Agriculture. The training will end on Sep. 27.