Guyana is making strong strides to modernize its economy through rapid digitization, President Dr. Irfaan Ali reaffirmed, highlighting the country’s effort to embrace a new industrial age.
Speaking at the launch of the Guyana Digital School, President Ali stated that digital technology will shape the future of global development. According to him, digital innovation will influence economies, impact employment, and transform industries in unprecedented ways.
He observed that Guyana’s efforts are not just about maintaining appearances or yielding to external pressure but about investing in areas with real emerging opportunities. Digital systems, he said, are now essential to every primary sector and will ultimately influence economic competitiveness.
The President warned that the digital revolution is moving too fast to wait or hesitate. Guyana, he stressed, must carefully position itself in this transformation.
“Technology will not stop for us, and the world will not wait on us,” he said, stressing the importance of investing in digital skills, infrastructure, and innovation.
President Ali also emphasized the need to shift from a resource-dependent model to a knowledge-based digital economy. He clarified that this transition will require significant national investments in digital literacy programs and advanced training, especially as the pandemic exposed weaknesses in the country’s technological readiness.
Guyana has already started implementing major digital initiatives, including the nationwide rollout of electronic Identification cards (E-IDs). Registering for the system requires personal details such as a citizen’s name, address, tax ID number, passport number, driver’s license information, birth certificate, marriage certificate, and other necessary documents.
Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, recently reaffirmed that the government is proceeding cautiously and responsibly, guided by new laws aimed at protecting citizens’ data. He emphasized that both the Digital Identity Card Act and the Data Protection Act have created a framework for a secure, lawful digital identification process.
Nandlall stated that data-driven planning is essential to modern governance, and Guyana plans to use digitization as a key decision-making tool for social, economic, and national development.
Earlier this year, Guyana installed e-gates at Cheddi Jagan International Airport, marking a significant step toward a smoother digital public service experience. These automated systems enable travelers to check in more quickly and pass through security more efficiently using their ID documents.
With various digital reforms underway, Guyana is preparing its citizens for a competitive, technology-driven future and strengthening its position in the global digital landscape.