…urges Digital Leadership in Hinterland Regions
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) the Honourable Mark Phillips, on Tuesday declared open a two-day Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training course for Community Development Officers (CDOs) at Cara Lodge in Georgetown.
The training, which continues through May 29, forms part of the Government’s ICT Access and e-Services for Hinterland, Poor and Remote Communities Project. It aims to strengthen digital capacity in rural, hinterland, and riverine areas by equipping CDOs with the skills and tools needed to lead community-based ICT efforts.
In his address, Prime Minister Phillips emphasized the strategic importance of ICT in bridging development gaps and improving access to public services. He encouraged participants to embrace their roles as local digital leaders, promoting computer literacy and the use of technology for education, public services, and economic advancement.
“You are the leaders that will take ICT to greater heights in your communities,” the Prime Minister said. “Every Guyanese must become computer literate, ICT literate. This is the information age, and no one will be left behind—it’s non-negotiable.”
He noted the progress made under the current administration in expanding ICT infrastructure nationwide and according to the Prime Minister, 167 of the targeted 200 ICT hubs under the project are now operational. This, he explained provides internet access and digital services to communities that were previously unconnected.
“We spent hours in some villages but never got connected. Now, when you open your phone, you’re already connected. That is what we did as a Government- removed you from connecting to being connected,” Phillips stated.
He further noted that internet access should go beyond entertainment, stressing its role in supporting education and improving access to government services.
The training includes sessions with officials from the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), the Office of the Prime Minister’s Industry and Innovation Unit, and other key ICT stakeholders. It is designed to prepare CDOs to serve as digital literacy ambassadors in their respective regions.
Prime Minister Phillips also revealed that the Government is currently developing a national ICT strategy to guide continued digital development over the next five years.
Present at the event were Minister of Amerindian Affairs, the Honourable Pauline Sukhai; Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister, Dr Alfred King; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Mr Ryan Toolsiram; and Mr Ronald Harsawack, Head of the ICT Access and e-Services for Hinterland, Poor and Remote Communities Project.
