PM pledges continued push for a smarter, safer digital Guyana

Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, performing the functions of President, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building a smarter, safer and more connected country through continued investment in digital transformation, innovation and the development of Guyanese talent. The acting President made these remarks today while addressing the closing ceremony of the sixth edition of the Innovation Challenge, held at the Arthur Chung Convention Centre (ACCC). The Challenge, an initiative of the Office of the PM through the Industry and Innovation Unit, was held under the continuing theme, “Transitioning through Innovation”. A release from the Office of the PM stated that Phillips said the initiative reflects the Government’s focus on building human capital, encouraging entrepreneurship and creating opportunities for Guyanese ideas to be developed into practical solutions. He explained that digital transformation remains central to the Government’s development agenda, with Information and Communications Technology (ICT) playing an increasingly important role across education, healthcare, agriculture, public safety, energy, manufacturing, commerce and public administration. Highlighting the progress made, the PM noted that high-speed internet is now available at more than 3,800 public locations across the country. At the same time, services have been extended to all 253 hinterland, remote and rural communities through Government buildings and public spaces. Additionally, 97 per cent of schools, 92 per cent of health facilities and all fire stations are connected to high-speed internet. He went on to note that between 2021 and 2026, close to $1.8 billion was invested in ICT hubs across hinterland communities, with more than 3,000 persons from 200 communities receiving training, approximately 75 per cent of whom were women. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to modernise public services through the national electronic identification system, the My Guyana Citizen Portal, Citizen Connect and artificial intelligence (AI)-supported platforms such as AskGov, alongside investments in digital skills through the One Guyana Digital Initiative. PM Phillips stressed, however, that expanding digital infrastructure must be accompanied by investments in skills development and safeguards that build public confidence in emerging technologies. “A digital economy can only be strong if its people have the skills to participate and if its systems have the security to earn their trust… It is also why cybersecurity, data protection, resilient infrastructure and responsible governance remain central pillars of our Digital Guyana agenda.” According to the Phillips, this year’s Innovation Challenge introduced a refreshed format which placed greater emphasis on problem analysis, research, design thinking, rapid prototyping, collaboration, user testing, responsible use of AI and realistic implementation planning. For the first time, the competition also included a Junior Category, which PM Phillips described as an important pathway for young people to become more involved in Guyana’s innovation ecosystem. “This category establishes an earlier pathway into the national innovation ecosystem and tells our young people that their ideas play an important role in solving the challenges confronting their communities and country.”

SBM Offshore Guyana partnership

Phillips also recognised SBM Offshore Guyana for its continued partnership with the Innovation Challenge, noting the importance of private-sector collaboration in supporting mentorship, practical exposure and the development of innovative solutions. The Honourable PM challenged the participating teams to look beyond the competition and focus on developing solutions that are practical, sustainable and responsive to the needs of citizens, communities and industry. “Think beyond this year’s competition. Your prototype may become a pilot, a start-up, a public-interest solution or a service capable of reaching regional and international markets.” He reaffirmed that the Government will continue to invest in connectivity, digital public infrastructure, skills development, innovation, cybersecurity and partnerships to ensure that more Guyanese can participate meaningfully in the technology-driven economy.