–Prime Minister Phillips says

PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, in his address to a large audience at the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference yesterday, declared that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration’s commitment to democratic principles has ensured that hinterland communities are no longer denied development.

Phillips reported that the government has made significant strides in bridging the digital divide and enhancing energy access through solar power and high-speed internet in many remote villages across Guyana.
Before 1992, the Prime Minister noted, hinterland regions saw minimal development. He said that when the PPP/C assumed office under President Cheddi Jagan, a Minister of Amerindian Affairs was appointed to drive development in these areas.
And despite making positive strides from 1992-2015, there was a period of neglect from 2015 to 2020 under the previous APNU+AFC administration.

Phillips highlighted that prior to the PPP/C’s election victory, Amerindian villages faced numerous challenges, including significant difficulties in the education system. Access to education was a luxury, with many students needing to relocate to the coastland to attend high schools.
Under the current administration, Phillips emphasised that basic services such as education, health, and infrastructure—previously neglected—are now being addressed. Development in these sectors is now evident, making education more accessible.
He said this aligns with Guyana’s status as one of the fastest-growing economies, assuring leaders that that development in the hinterland will continue to progress alongside that on the coastland.

Phillips announced that the government has expanded internet bandwidth using the Low Earth Orbit Satellite system, introducing high-speed internet to 66 communities in Regions One, Two, Five, and Six as part of Phase One of the project.
Phase Two of the digital divide project has been temporarily postponed due to the National Toshaos Council Conference. However, by the end of December, high-speed internet will be installed in 250 Amerindian communities across Regions Seven, Eight, and part of Six.
In the Hinterland Core Connectivity Project, nearly 150 ICT hubs will be installed, each equipped with 20 laptops powered by solar energy. More than 250 ICT hubs are planned for hinterland communities to further bridge the development gap.
Phillips urged local leaders and residents to care for the installed equipment and hardware. Training will be provided as part of the government-funded project.

The Prime Minister also highlighted advancements in wind and solar energy projects. Microgrids with solar panels and battery banks will provide reliable power to 31 community buildings, with plans to construct five more facilities. This initiative is managed by the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA).
Phillips said that 30,000 solar systems for household energy have been installed in remote communities this year, with larger solar farms planned for several hinterland villages. He also noted that the Low Carbon Development Strategy has increased carbon credit benefits to communities by 26 per cent, reflecting the extensive development occurring in Amerindian communities across Guyana.