Close to $1.8 billion was invested in information and communications technology hubs in hinterland communities between 2021 and 2026, Prime Minister Mark Phillips has said.
Phillips, who is performing the functions of President, made the disclosure while addressing the closing ceremony of the sixth Innovation Challenge at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.
According to a Department of Public Information release, Phillips said more than 3,000 persons from 200 communities had received training through the programme, approximately 75% of whom were women.
He also reported that high-speed internet was available at more than 3,800 public locations across the country and that connectivity had been extended to all 253 hinterland, remote and rural communities through government buildings and public spaces.
Phillips said 97% of schools, 92% of health facilities and all fire stations were now connected to high-speed internet.
The Innovation Challenge, organised by the Office of the Prime Minister through its Industry and Innovation Unit, was held under the theme “Transitioning through Innovation”.
Phillips said the initiative formed part of the government’s efforts to develop human capital, promote entrepreneurship and transform Guyanese ideas into practical solutions.
He said information and communications technology was assuming a larger role in education, healthcare, agriculture, public safety, energy, manufacturing, commerce and public administration.
The government was also attempting to modernise public services through the planned national electronic identification system and platforms including the My Guyana Citizen Portal, Citizen Connect and AskGov, an artificial intelligence-supported service, the release said.
Phillips cautioned, however, that expanding the country’s digital infrastructure must be accompanied by skills development and safeguards to build public confidence in emerging technologies.
“A digital economy can only be strong if its people have the skills to participate and if its systems have the security to earn their trust,” he said.
He added that cybersecurity, data protection, resilient infrastructure and responsible governance remained central to the government’s digital programme.
According to Phillips, this year’s Innovation Challenge had a revised format which placed greater emphasis on analysing problems, research, design, rapid prototyping, collaboration, user testing, responsible use of artificial intelligence and realistic implementation planning.
The competition also included a junior category for the first time.
Phillips said the new category was intended to provide an earlier pathway for young people to participate in the country’s developing technology and innovation sector.
He also acknowledged SBM Offshore Guyana’s continued partnership with the competition, saying private-sector collaboration was important to providing mentorship and practical exposure and supporting the development of innovative solutions.
Phillips urged the participating teams to continue developing their projects after the competition.
“Your prototype may become a pilot, a start-up, a public-interest solution or a service capable of reaching regional and international markets,” he said.
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