THE United Nation’s Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development estimates that some 3.6 billion people remain totally unconnected to the Internet. This means that there are approximately 4.1 billion people online, about 53.6 per cent of the global population.
These are frightening figures considering how heavily dependent many of our daily functions are on internet connectivity. The internet is a major player in the modernisation that many developing countries are striving for. They want modern hospitals, modern schools and methods of learning and modern facilities that can make everyday life easier.
However, there are many countries that are struggling to provide internet connectivity to citizens that live in rural areas. This is severely hampering growth, development and the provision of a better life for a section of their population. Furthermore, it can be agreed that a lack of internet access creates barriers to economic opportunities and mobility.
In Guyana, the government of the day is working around the clock to improve the internet connectivity situation, focusing on bridging the digital divide between the hinterland and the coastland.
Guyana, a country with a large landmass that encompasses lots of virgin forest, is still trying to cement its footing in the digital world. The provision of stable, affordable internet connection is on the minds of our leaders and they have promised to take action to ensure sustainability and benefits for generations to come.
While those in mainly coastal areas enjoy internet connectivity, those in the far-flung areas are not so lucky. There are many living in Amerindian villages in the hinterland and remote parts of the country who are clueless when it comes to internet.
To them, access to a digital device and the internet is a dream. However, the government through its ICT Access and E-Services for HPRC Project is turning that dream into a reality. Targeting some 200 of those communities, Amerindian Village Councils and Community Development Councils under this initiative will receive up to US$40,000 to construct ICT hubs.
It is expected that by the end of November 2024, 141 ICT will be constructed and retrofitted in Amerindian villages. As of now, 111 of those hubs are operational.
The main beneficiaries of this project will be school children who will be able to access online materials that are necessary for their studies. This also means that they, like those living in coastal communities, can benefit from the learning programmes that the Ministry of Education has rolled out such as the Mathematics intervention initiative and they can also keep abreast with current and world affairs.
Each hub will have 20 licensed computers with Microsoft Office Suite and additional proprietary software will be installed so that users can benefit from high-speed internet connectivity of 300 megabytes per second.
The investments being made to ensure that those living in the hinterland have access to this crucial digital technology is commendable and ought to be very much appreciated. However, the installation of the necessary infrastructure should be paired with digital literacy to ensure that everyone understands and can take full advantage of this global network that has the ability to change lives and develop communities.
