GUYANA is standing at the threshold of a digital revolution—one that promises to reshape how we govern, learn, work, and live. But as the nation charges forward with e-governance initiatives, national e-ID systems and blockchain integration, a fundamental question arises: are our young people prepared to lead this transformation?

At a recent press conference at Freedom House, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, echoed a sentiment that deserves national attention: “We will have to hire a slew of young people to populate these entities and run this [digital] system.”

His call to action is not only timely, but critical to ensuring that digital transformation does not become an elite project, disconnected from the broader population it seeks to serve.

The government’s development of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Masterplan 2030 is ambitious and necessary.

With an e-identification system already being implemented under a GY$34.5 million contract with Veridos Identify Solutions, and GY$783.4 million allocated in the national budget, Guyana is placing serious investment into its digital infrastructure. This system will feature fingerprint verification and reduce reliance on outdated forms of identification, making public services more secure and efficient.

Yet, infrastructure alone cannot build a digital society—people must. That’s why Dr Jagdeo’s emphasis on scholarships for emerging fields such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and system maintenance must be treated as more than just policy promises.

These scholarships must become widespread and accessible, especially for students in rural and hinterland areas who have historically faced barriers to higher education and tech-based careers.

The introduction of blockchain technology to safeguard public records is also commendable. In a country where transparency and accountability are perennial challenges, blockchain offers a practical tool to protect data and build public trust. Dr Jagdeo rightly noted its potential for combatting corruption in areas plagued by data tampering—an issue that has stymied progress for decades.

But digital transformation is not only about internal government reforms. It is also about public safety and quality of life. That’s why plans to outfit communities with security cameras and streetlights are equally important. They address long-standing public concerns about crime and create a digital ecosystem that extends from administrative offices to village streets.

Still, none of this will succeed unless we, as a society, rally behind the vision of a digitally literate and empowered generation. The transformation we seek must begin in our classrooms, our universities, and our communities. It must prioritise training, internships, mentorships, and career pipelines in technology and innovation. We must think beyond hardware and software and focus on humanware—our youth.

As Guyana embraces the digital age, let us ensure we do so inclusively and intelligently. The youth are not just the future workforce, they are the architects of our digital destiny. Their education, training and full participation must be treated as a national imperative.

Because a truly digital Guyana is not one built on devices alone—but on the dreams, ideas, and innovations of its people.