–Minister McCoy says

GUYANA is using digital technology to transform all industries with a forward-thinking strategy that is changing the way public-sector organisations operate and bringing the country’s technical culture up to par with the best in the world.

This was highlighted by Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister of Guyana, Kwame McCoy, who was at the time speaking during a panel discussion at the 19th International Convention and Fair, Informática 2024, hosted in Havana, Cuba.

The focal point of discussion centred on the transformative power of digital technology and its pivotal role in propelling Guyana to the forefront of the world economy.

Minister McCoy outlined the government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive digital transformation.

“The Government of Guyana has invested heavily in not only digital transformation, but [also] in inclusive digital transformation,” he said.

With a visionary approach under the People’s Progressive Party (PPP)-led government, the minister explained that Guyana is leveraging digital technology to revolutionise all sectors, fundamentally altering the operational landscape of public-sector organisations and elevating the nation’s technological ethos to a world-class standard.

“We are forging holistic changes in organisational activities, processes, competencies, and business models to fully leverage the opportunities digital technologies can provide,” he said

Echoing the sentiments of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Minister McCoy underscored the importance of inclusive digital transformation, stating, “To build a more open, transparent, and sustainable society, digital transformation must be intentionally inclusive, thoughtfully designed and implemented with people and human rights at the centre of all aspects.”
He pointed out that initiatives undertaken by Guyana reflect a comprehensive strategy aimed at achieving sustainable development goals, while fostering innovation and progress.

Such key actions, including the development of the ICT Masterplan 2030, are designed to address critical issues such as cybercrime, healthcare management, education delivery, and social interventions.

Central to Guyana’s digital transformation agenda is the Guyana Safe Country Initiative, which decentralises crime-fighting capabilities and integrates modern technology through initiatives such as IVS cameras deployment and regional command centres establishment.

This year, Guyana has allocated $2 billion towards the project with the aim of intensifying surveillance, monitoring potential criminal activities, and enhancing crime prevention through increased risk of detection.

Moreover, the establishment of a National ICT Services Landscape underscores Guyana’s commitment to infrastructural development, with a national broadband network facilitating internet access and services to various sectors, including education, healthcare, and remote communities.

In an effort to bridge the digital divide, Guyana has embarked on projects such as the ICT Access and E-Services for Hinterlands, Poor & Remote Communities Project, aimed at providing ICT access and electronic services to underserved areas.

Minister McCoy further outlined initiatives such as the implementation of an e-ID system, e-Ticketing System, National ICT Universal Literacy Programme, and a National ICT Up-Skilling Drive, highlighting inclusivity and empowerment.

The legislative framework enacted by Guyana reflects a proactive approach to digital governance, ensuring the necessary regulatory environment to support digital transformation initiatives.

The minister underlined the significance of legislative measures such as the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act and the Data Protection Act in safeguarding digital rights and fostering a conducive ecosystem for innovation.
Highlighting the tangible impact of Guyana’s digital-transformation efforts, the minister revealed impressive statistics indicating substantial growth in internet penetration, mobile-cellular subscriptions, and fixed broadband subscriptions.

“Internet penetration has increased from 41.61 per cent in 2020 to 51.23 per cent in 2023; mobile-cellular subscriptions per 100 inhabitants increased from 86.99 per cent to 100.56 per cent; and fixed broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants from 11.8 per cent to 17.93 per cent,” he stated

He explained that this remarkable progress achieved by Guyana has positioned the country as the world’s fastest-growing economy, with digital transformation serving as a catalyst for economic expansion and global competitiveness.

Minister McCoy affirmed the government’s commitment to intensifying digital transformation efforts, focusing on initiatives such as coding, telemedicine, smart classrooms, and electronic health records management.

He reiterated Guyana’s dedication to eliminating the digital gap and ensuring equitable access to ICT resources for all citizens.

“Our goal is the diffusion of ICT, so that it reaches every Guyanese in every community,” he said.

Informática 2024 is a significant event that encompasses a scientific convention and international fair focusing on information and communication technologies (ICT) in Cuba.

Informática 2024 aims to promote digital transformation and the development of ICT policies. The event features various activities such as seminars, congresses, symposiums, and workshops, covering topics such as 5G networks, artificial intelligence, e-commerce trends, digital economy and more.

With over 1,200 delegates, the convention includes nine roundtables, 38 panels, 80 keynote speeches, and over 350 presentations from countries such as Guyana, Cuba, Mexico, Russia, and Colombia.

The event opened on Monday and runs until Friday under the theme, “For a Digital Society.”