GUYANA is undergoing transformative changes in its national digitization initiatives, promising significant improvements in comfort, security, and economic growth. Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), discussed these advancements at his weekly news conference, emphasizing the government’s commitment to modernizing the country’s infrastructure and services.
At the forefront of these initiatives is the ‘Safe Guyana’ project. Currently in its first phase, this project involves installing high-resolution smart cameras in key regions, particularly Region Four. It plans to expand to heavily populated Regions Three and Six.
Dr. Jagdeo explained that these smart cameras will monitor criminal activity and utilize predictive software to identify high-crime areas. This proactive approach allows law enforcement agencies to allocate resources effectively and respond quickly to potential threats.
“These cameras that would give us valuable intelligence and allow us to intercept criminals should we need to do that,” he stated.
In addition, the project will incorporate electronic vehicle tracking capabilities, enabling law enforcement to issue e-tickets for traffic violations without the need for direct police intervention.
The digitization strategy includes the establishment of a comprehensive digital database that links various records, such as births, deaths, marriages, and criminal data. This database will also incorporate biometric data, allowing for quick identification of individuals involved in criminal activities.
“For example, a camera has facial recognition software on it, and we have now the biometrics of everyone in a database, you can find people easily…they could be recognised easily if there is any criminal activity,” Dr. Jagdeo explained.
This integration aims to enhance the efficiency of law enforcement and public safety, ultimately fostering a safer environment for citizens.
In the healthcare sector, the government is working on an electronic patient record system that aims to streamline the sharing of medical information between public and private healthcare facilities. This system will allow healthcare providers to access a patient’s complete medical history, enhancing the quality of care and facilitating smoother transitions between different healthcare settings.
“Once you have your record in this system, even in the public hospital, you would be able to take that to a private hospital should you go there. The doctors from the private hospital, if you do an X-ray, your entire history will be here,” he noted.
This initiative aims to improve healthcare delivery and support the government’s broader digitization goals by ensuring that essential services are interconnected and accessible.
The government also plans to implement fully automated, paperless processes at Guyana’s airports by the end of this year. These upgrades will enhance the passenger experience through pre-screening and the introduction of automated gates, allowing travelers to quickly enter the airport by swiping their identification documents.
Dr. Jagdeo emphasized that this system will help flag discrepancies and ensure that the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) records all necessary information upon entry.
“When you enter into the country, immediately that record goes to a government central database that will be able to track you if you come in on a short-term visa,” he explained.
This initiative enhances border security, allowing authorities to monitor who enters the country and identify potential risks.
A significant aspect of the digitization strategy is the rollout of electronic Identification Cards (E-IDs). While these new IDs will not replace the traditional cards the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) issued, they will incorporate advanced security features, including a modern chip.
“Guyanese will have a different colour ID than foreigners, but everyone would be required to have one of these IDs, because, without the ID, you would not be able to open a bank account or access some government services,” Dr. Jagdeo pointed out.
The introduction of E-IDs will help authorities track illegal immigration and ensure that residents can easily access essential services.
The Guyanese government lays the groundwork for a more secure, efficient, and connected society through these multifaceted digitization efforts. These initiatives are crucial for the nation’s growth, aiming to improve the quality of life for all citizens while addressing the challenges of modernization in an increasingly digital world. Dr. Jagdeo emphasized the importance of these efforts in transforming Guyana and improving the lives of its people.
“We do not spend enough time in a detailed way talking about these issues. So, for example, on digitisation of the country and how that will be crucial for the future… this is crucial to changing Guyana and to the lives of our people,” he concluded.
Overall, the digitization strategy represents a significant shift toward embracing technology for governance, safety, and public services, positioning Guyana for a prosperous future.
DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Democracy Guyana, an online newspaper.