36 residents graduate under Prime Minister’s innovation programme

IN a move to bridge the digital divide and prepare citizens for a modern workforce, the Industry and Innovation Unit under the Office of the Prime Minister recently facilitated an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training programme in the village of Sandvoort, Region Six. The initiative culminated in a graduation ceremony for 36 participants, marking a milestone in the government’s drive to empower communities through digital education.
Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, delivered the keynote address at the ceremony, encouraging graduates to seize the opportunities provided by the government’s ICT and innovation programmes. “ICT is no longer optional; it is essential to personal success

and national development,” the Minister stated. He urged participants to continue building on their skills to unlock new avenues for employment and entrepreneurship.
The ICT training provided residents with foundational skills in Office Productivity, Internet Literacy, and Computer Literacy — all vital for navigating today’s digital economy. The training is part of the Industry and Innovation Unit’s broader strategy to equip Guyanese with the tools needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

A representative of the Unit emphasised that the initiative was a practical example of how targeted digital training can bridge longstanding inequalities and empower communities for long-term, inclusive growth. “By mastering these in-demand skills, participants are now better prepared to contribute to Guyana’s growing innovation economy,” the Unit noted.
The Sandvoort graduation follows the launch of the 2025 ICT training programme in Waterloo, Region Five, where 26 individuals are currently undergoing similar instruction at the Waterloo Nursery School.
These training sessions are in keeping with the government’s manifesto commitment to create a digital economy that generates thousands of new jobs. By supporting co-investments, providing infrastructure, and offering state-sponsored training — including for persons with disabilities — the government aims to ensure equal access to economic upliftment across all regions.

The Industry and Innovation Unit, under its mandate, continues to create an enabling environment for a tech-driven private sector and inclusive national development, ensuring that no community is left behind in the country’s digital transformation journey.