GUYANA is advancing rapidly into e-governance. The infrastructure for that governance platform is already being laid with the installation of Information and Communication (ICT) hubs in all parts of the country, including deep riverine and hinterland communities.
This is indeed a forward-looking initiative which will bring people closer to the institutions of governance. Indeed, it is fair to say that the bridging of the digital divide between the coastal and hinterland regions is well advanced. Under the Hinterland Connectivity Project, a total of 146 ICT hubs for underserved communities were completed. These hubs are equipped with solar systems and high-speed internet connections.

These are forward-looking developments which are already transforming lives in those remote communities. At a more fundamental level, it is allowing for the democratising of the delivery of services to all Guyanese who live in rural and hinterland communities.
What all of this means is that unlike the past when internet services were only available to urban dwellers and to those living on the coast, Amerindian and hinterland communities are now benefitting from internet connectivity.

This development is further enhanced by way of a number of initiatives taken by the government through the Industry and Innovative Unit in the Office of the Prime Minister in which hundreds of hinterland citizens benefitted from ICT training.
The ‘Girl Code’ initiative, a key component of the training programme, empowered scores of young women with coding and programming skills nurturing a passion for innovation and technology at an early age.

As noted by Prime Minister, Brigadier Ret’d Mark Phillips, these initiatives are designed to equip citizens with the necessary digital skills and empowering them to thrive in a new digital ecosystem.
The reality is that we now live in what is now referred to as the digital age in which access to information is a key variable in our ability to climb the economic and social ladder. The technology to make this happen is already available to the majority of Guyanese who can now access it to benefit from online studies and to access government services.

Already, thousands of Guyanese are benefitting from higher education under the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) programme.
This is indeed a commendable initiative by the PPP/C administration which is consistent with the vision of President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali to build a society in which there is equality of all Guyanese to realise their dreams and their potential regardless of race, religion of geographical location.
President Ali has committed his administration to create an environment in which no Guyanese will be left behind. The framework for this laudable initiative is already in evidence.