PRESIDENT, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s recent directives on the National Digitalisation Programme mark a decisive step toward modernising Guyana’s public sector and economy.
At the launch of the Public Service Upskilling Platform at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, the President set concrete deadlines: the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) must be fully digitised within eight months, while all public service records are to be converted into digital form within five months.
These are not mere bureaucratic targets; they are foundational steps in transforming the way government operates.
Digitisation, the conversion of analogue information into digital form, is a prerequisite for the broader goal of digitalisation—using technology to streamline processes, improve efficiency and foster transparency.
By mandating these deadlines, President Ali is signalling that the era of paper-heavy procedures and fragmented records must end.
Once implemented, a fully digitised Public Service will allow seamless information sharing across ministries, enable better cross-referencing of skills and improve service delivery for citizens who have long been frustrated by inefficiencies.
The President’s vision extends beyond government offices. He highlighted agri-digitisation, setting a four-month timeline for farmers to access real-time information, field education, weather updates, extension services, and technological support.
In a sector so critical to national food security and livelihoods, empowering farmers with digital tools can dramatically increase productivity and competitiveness.
Equally noteworthy is the planned launch of homegrown apps developed by Guyanese youth. These apps, designed to support public-service delivery and national priorities, showcase the country’s untapped technical talent and demonstrate that innovation does not need to be imported, it can be nurtured locally.
Guyana’s push for a fully integrated digital economy aligns with broader global trends, where countries that embrace digital transformation are better positioned for growth, efficiency and regional leadership.
For Guyana, digitalisation is more than convenience, it is a strategic imperative.
However, achieving these ambitious targets will require discipline, accountability, and collaboration.
Ministries must adhere to deadlines, invest in training and ensure that technology upgrades are accompanied by robust cybersecurity measures. Citizens must also be engaged, as the success of a digital public service hinges on accessibility and trust.
President Ali’s directives reflect the PPP/C Government’s 2025 manifesto commitment to build a smarter, more connected and inclusive Guyana. But political promises alone are not enough; execution is everything.
Guyana stands at a pivotal moment: the decisions and actions taken in the next few months will determine whether the country can truly leap into a digital era or remain mired in outdated systems.
Time is short, but the path is clear. Digitisation is no longer optional, it is urgent, necessary, and transformative. The message from the President is unambiguous: Guyana’s digital future cannot wait.