–as PM concludes Region Nine commissioning exercise
THE commissioning of a G$44 million solar mini-grid in Shulinab on Friday brought to a close Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips’ three-community solar commissioning exercise in Region Nine, expanding access to renewable energy for more than 1,600 residents across the three villages.
At Shulinab, the newly commissioned facility comprises 46 kW of solar generating capacity and 208 kWh of battery storage, providing electricity to essential public buildings, including educational and healthcare facilities.
The Prime Minister, who was accompanied by the Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Agency, Dr Mahendar Sharma, emphasised that investments in renewable energy form part of the government’s wider commitment to ensuring that hinterland communities benefit from national development.
Reflecting on other initiatives in Shulinab, including a newly constructed secondary school, improved road infrastructure and an ICT hub, he highlighted how access to electricity and internet connectivity can strengthen healthcare delivery, support educational advancement and create opportunities for economic development.
He also encouraged residents to take ownership of the facility and ensure its proper maintenance.
Prime Minister Phillips also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to extending reliable, clean energy across the hinterland, improving access to essential services, and supporting better livelihoods for residents in remote communities.
Potarinau, the largest of the three communities, is home to approximately 685 residents across 123 households.
The newly commissioned system comprises 41.5 kW of solar capacity and 187 kWh of battery storage, providing electricity to key public buildings, including educational facilities, the health centre, village offices and other community facilities.
Addressing residents, Prime Minister Phillips emphasised that the investment forms part of the government’s wider commitment to expanding renewable energy access and ensuring that hinterland communities benefit from national development.
He highlighted that eight villages in Region Nine are benefiting from similar initiatives under the 2025–2026 programme, noting that improved electricity access, coupled with internet connectivity, will create greater opportunities for education, professional development, agriculture, agro-processing and small businesses.
The Prime Minister also encouraged residents to take ownership of the facility and ensure its proper maintenance, noting that the system could serve the community for more than 20 years with appropriate care and periodic replacement of components.
He commended the Guyana Energy Agency, the Regional Administration and residents who contributed to the project’s implementation.
At Katoonarib, the Prime Minister commissioned a solar energy system representing an investment of approximately G$33 million, comprising 41.5 kW of solar panels and 187 kWh of battery storage.
The system will provide electricity to key public buildings, including health and educational facilities, improving healthcare delivery, supporting learning opportunities and creating possibilities for small-scale economic activities.
Addressing residents, Prime Minister Phillips emphasised that the investment represents more than the provision of electricity. He noted that it forms part of President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s commitment to ensuring that development reaches communities across Guyana, regardless of their location.
Katoonarib is among 56 villages benefiting from similar solar energy initiatives, in keeping with the objectives of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030.
The Prime Minister also encouraged residents to take ownership of the facility and ensure its proper maintenance to maximise its benefits for future generations.
