-as Guyanese diaspora respond to President Ali’s national development call

IN response to Guyana’s burgeoning tech scene and President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s vision for national development, Mark Itwaru, a Canada-based Guyanese tech entrepreneur, has returned to his homeland to lead the transformative ‘One Guyana Digital’ (1GD) initiative.

The 1GD venture, a strategic collaboration between the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) and Toronto Metropolitan University, is aimed at bolstering digital literacy across the country.

Itwaru, during the initiative’s launch at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre recently, expressed his gratitude and excitement about the opportunity.

“I’ve been honoured to be entrusted with the position as the managing director of 1GD. I stand here humbled and grateful to be entrusted with this responsibility that will bring world-class education, free of charge to my fellow Guyanese,” he said.

The 1GD programme’s mission extends beyond mere digital literacy; it is an embodiment of the government’s commitment to inclusive growth and development.

With plans to train 2,000 Guyanese as full-stack developers, with a special focus on including women and indigenous peoples, the initiative is poised to create a more diverse and skilled workforce.

Itwaru had explained that this approach not only addresses the acute shortage of technical professionals in the country, but also aligns with global standards and expectations.

Itwaru’s personal narrative adds a poignant layer to this initiative. Born in East Canje, Berbice, to a family of educators, he said he has always valued the transformative power of education.

“When I found out there was an opportunity to return to Guyana and take part in President Ali’s visionary strategic education initiatives, I jumped at the opportunity. For me personally, it’s an exciting opportunity to come back here and to help build this industry in the country that I’m from,” Itwaru said.

He explained that his professional journey, marked by innovation in mobile commerce and social media technologies, has now come full circle as he aims to contribute to Guyana’s digital and educational revolution.

This homecoming story aligns with President Ali’s broader appeal to the Guyanese diaspora to contribute to the country’s development.

The Head of State has been vocal about leveraging the skills and experiences of overseas Guyanese to address local challenges, particularly in the technology and education sectors.

Recently, during an engagement with the Guyanese diaspora in St. Lucia, President Ali issued another invigorating call for Guyanese living abroad to return home to contribute and witness the nation’s metamorphosis first hand.

“We are in a period of transition… I firmly believe that a lot of Guyanese in the diaspora will return home,” Dr. Ali stated, underscoring the nation’s need for skilled professionals to support its rapid economic and social development.

The President’s discourse was laden with compelling narratives and assurances, painting a picture of a nation on the rise.

“The conditions that drove Guyanese out of Guyana… are quickly changing,” he asserted, projecting an optimistic future where, by 2027-2028, Guyana would not only match, but potentially exceed the living and professional standards that many in the diaspora sought elsewhere.

The Head of State delved into the specifics of the transformative agenda underway, addressing the acute shortages in skilled labour that present a challenge locally, but an opportunity for the diaspora.

As Guyana stands on the brink of a new era, fuelled by a historic $1.146 trillion 2024 budget and notable economic growth, the return of individuals like Itwaru symbolises the potential for a synergistic development model.

With the World Bank forecasting remarkable growth, particularly in the oil sector, Guyana’s future appears bright, promising opportunities for all Guyanese, including those returning home to contribute their skills and experience.

Under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government, Guyana is witnessing a historic transformation, marked by significant investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

The establishment of the Port Mourant National Oil and Gas Training Centre and the envisioned world-class Tourism and Hospitality Institute are evidence of the nation’s ambitious developmental agenda.

President Ali’s vision for a rejuvenated Guyana, complemented by initiatives such as 1GD, is reshaping the country’s narrative.

The emphasis on education, healthcare, and infrastructure, coupled with the strategic engagement of the diaspora, is crafting a new future for Guyana — one where technology and education are key drivers of economic and social prosperity.

As Itwaru and many like him return to contribute to their homeland, the message is clear: Guyana is not just on the brink of transformation, but is actively shaping an inclusive, empowered, and technologically advanced future for all its citizens.