— $65.6M to complete Linden Call Centre; 200 jobs to be created

THROUGH the 2020 Budget, education, health, industry and agriculture will be modernised with the help of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for which $5.2 billion has been allocated in the 2020 Budget.

Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill, who presented the budget on Wednesday said government’s goal is to ensure the benefits of enhanced ICT infrastructure for all Guyanese, no matter where they reside. He outlined the means though which the sum will be used at his budget presentation at Parliament.

According to Edghill, government will work to liberalise the telecommunications sector and increase access to cheap data and bandwidth to ensure improved access to the internet, increased ICT literacy, and expanded e-Government.

Schools can look forward to being outfitted with adequate equipment and software, and curricula will be reformed so that ICT proficiencies can be developed nationwide.

Though the pandemic has affected educational systems globally, leading to the closure of educational institutions at all levels, the Internet has made it possible for past papers, electronic workbooks and other reference materials to be accessed.

Hoping to boost this further, an additional $200 million will be invested to expand the Learning Channel to ensure that children continue to have access to academic resources as the Ministry of Education prepares for the safe re-opening of schools.

Meanwhile, the government will continue to provide internet access through the e-Government network to ensure government ministries and agencies, schools and other educational institutions are connected. It will also continue to invest in ICT hotspots and hubs, particularly in hinterland communities.

“To this end, the National Data Management Authority will receive an increased subvention of $2 billion to ensure the bandwidth expansion and continued connectivity,” Minister Edghill announced.

He stressed that ICT in Guyana must be an enabler for job creation and development and the government will continue to support the sector with capital inputs, policy initiatives, training and increased employment opportunities for all in the field.

To realise this, in 2020, government has allocated $65.6 million for the completion of a call center in Linden, which will then be operated by a private company, generating more than 200 jobs for our people.

“ICT grants us the opportunity to reduce transaction costs, improve effectiveness and efficiency, as well as enhance overall productivity. Our Government’s goal is to ensure that the benefits of enhanced ICT infrastructure reach every Guyanese in every community, and we will pursue this in partnership with the private sector, as no Guyanese should be left behind,” Minister Edghill said.