Mark Beckford, Gleaner Writer

Luis Valladares from Microsoft, Betty-Ann Blaine convenor of Hear the Childrens's Cry, and Claudia Del-Rosario from Symantec Norton Anti-Virus engage in a discussion in the seminar entitled'Protecting Our Children in this the Technology Age' at the Jamaica Consumer Electronic Show, held at the Hilton Kingston Hotel, Knutsford Boulevard, New Kingston on Saturday August 12. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

The 2006 Jamaica Consumer Electronic Show was a mixture of high tech gadgetry, basic consumer needs and wholesome family fun. The show, which was in its sixth staging, was held in the Hilton Hotel ballroom, and showcased a wide variety of electronic consumer items over the two-day period. The show was held on Saturday and Sunday, August 12 and 13.

The event also sought to partner new technologies with the relevance of being responsible users. As such, two seminars were held over the period, with Saturday's theme being 'Protecting Our Children in this the Technology Age' (Internet and media exposure, what is my responsibility). This seminar dealt with the growing problem of the illicit use of technologies to abuse children. Guest speaker Betty Ann Blaine, convenor of Hear the Children's Cry, encouraged parents to not let technology act as a substitute for good parenting. On Sunday, the topic was 'Copyright - what does this mean?', which focused on issues surrounding intellectual property rights, and the do's and don'ts of copyrighting.

High-tech activity

The Hilton ballroom was transformed into a buzz of high-tech activity, with patrons milling around booths of their interest. With over 35 booths to choose from, consumers could either delve into the new technologies of Plasma TV's, I-pods, Bluetooth sunglasses or customary ones such as mobile communication and home entertainment systems. With prices ranging from less than a thousand dollars to several hundred, patrons had their pick of colourful and innovative booths, littered with plasma TV's, sub-woofer speakers and the latest devices.

Stanley Cohen, 56, said that the show acted as a way for him to scout for appliances and equipment that he could use. He commended the show for bringing unknown and new technologies to consumers.

Sheree-Ann Hall, a 19-year old student, also said she used the show to look for new products, that would be helpful for the upcoming school year. "I am very impressed with the wide variety of products that are on show, and this is an indication that Jamaica is heading in the right direction, in terms of technology."

Project manager of the show, Tracey Hamilton, said that the event was not only on track in terms of numbers, but in terms of providing its patrons with a wide range of products. She expressed the view that there was a good response from patrons and said that each person that visited the show would be better off technologically. "We are pleased with the fact that with the timely and topical seminars, patrons actually sat down and participated in it," she said.

Watts New Limited emerged as winners of the best booth, with Royale Computers and Accessories Ltd., placing second and in third was Digicel Jamaica Ltd.