— President Ali outlines technology-driven governance and modern security architecture powering Digital Guyana

PRESIDENT, Dr Irfaan Ali’s plans for a national “digital backbone” as Guyana undergoes rapid transformation is aimed at securing and expanding the country’s future, linking economic growth, smarter governance and enhanced security through a modern, technology-driven framework.
On the eve of Guyana’s 56th Republic Anniversary, the President said, “We are laying a digital backbone, wiring our nation for the future, ensuring that every Guyanese can participate in the digital economy of the future.”
In this year’s national budget, funds have been set aside to advance the national digitisation drive. From new e-ID cards and AI-powered virtual assistants to integrated service systems, the government is continuing its aggressive push for a “Digital Guyana” under Budget 2026.
The government’s ambitious digitalisation agenda is aimed at modernising the way public services are delivered, leveraging technology for improved efficiency and transparency.
The national Electronic Identification (e-ID) system will facilitate a more coordinated approach to public- service delivery and allow for biometric verification and validation of individuals through a single identifier that enables more efficient interactions with all agencies across government.
Registration commenced for the national e-ID cards, enrolling over 4,700 persons in 2025. There are two types of e-ID cards: one for citizens and another for resident non-citizens. The resident non-citizen card will be issued to persons who have valid work permits.
In 2026, several initiatives will be advanced toward the realisation of Digital Guyana, ensuring that client and user experience with government agencies is both timely and responsive.
The GovConnect app will offer online scheduling of appointments and queue management to reduce waiting times, while the Citizen Connect App will allow the public to submit complaints or concerns to the government, while ensuring accountability in the resolution of issues.
On March 2, CitizenConnect will be launched. This mobile application is designed to give every citizen a direct voice in governance, making it easier than ever to report grievances, track progress and receive timely updates.
Additionally, AskGov, another initiative on the cards, will be a 24/7 AI assistant that answers questions and guides users through government transactions.
The government is also planning to develop a MyGuyana Citizen Portal, a whole-of-government single central gateway that will allow every citizen to access government services. The portal, in conjunction with the e-ID card system, will enable efficient, citizen-centred interaction.
The overall objective is to improve the delivery of public services to every citizen, regardless of where they reside, through the decentralisation of government services.
Additionally, as Guyana accelerates its transition from paper-based systems to secure digital platforms, the government is crafting legislation for electronic transactions and the strengthening of data protection.
The proposed electronic transactions law will provide full legal recognition for digital transactions, ensuring their validity even when conducted without traditional paper documentation, although certain limited exceptions will apply.
Complementing this will be comprehensive data-protection legislation designed to establish a robust framework for the collection, storage and management of data across multiple sectors as Guyana deepens its digitalisation drive.
ENHANCED SECURITY
President Ali, during his address, also focused on falling crime rates and improved public-safety outcomes.
“Our republic is becoming safer. A comparison of serious-crime statistics between the periods 2016 to 2020 and 2021 to 2025 reveals a decisive and dramatic shift. In the earlier period, we averaged 2,827 serious crimes per year; since 2021, the number has come down to just 1,441, an almost 50 per cent decline,” he disclosed, commending the men and women in uniform for their hard work.
Dr. Ali said that a security sector that will “secure, protect and prevent, through a perfect blend of technology, human capital, intelligence and partnership,” is being built.
Since assuming office in 2020, the government has pursued a transformative approach to national security, recognising the critical role of a modern, technologically advanced police force in safeguarding Guyana’s burgeoning economy.
As such, efforts continue to modernise the Guyana Police Force (GPF). This strategy represents a comprehensive reimagining of security infrastructure, transitioning from traditional investigative methods to an intelligence-driven model powered by cutting-edge technology.
A prime example is the evolution from time-consuming, witness-based investigations to rapid, data-driven solutions.
The “safe city to safe country” programme stands at the heart of this transformation, incorporating real-time CCTV monitoring, advanced analytics and regional command centres.
This strategic approach promises businesses faster investigations, enhanced prevention of criminal activities and superior asset protection.
Previously, President Ali had outlined eight strategic pillars, including justice-system integration, digital transformation of policing, border and national-security modernisation, crime prevention and social intervention, and strengthened community partnerships for public safety.