Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister with Responsibility for Public Affairs and Information, Kwame McCoy, called on youths to move beyond simply consuming technology and become creators and innovators who can help shape the country’s future.
Speaking during the innovation camp closing ceremony at the BetterHope community centre, Minister McCoy said the government’s investment in youth development is deliberate, with young people expected to play a central role in Guyana’s continued transformation.
“We want you, our people, to lead the way. It is absolutely important,” Minister McCoy said.
He also urged young Guyanese to take advantage of the opportunities being created for them.
He said innovation will be critical to Guyana’s continued growth, particularly as artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies reshape modern societies.
“Innovation is therefore essential, an essential part for the continued growth and development,” Minister McCoy said.
The minister stressed that innovation should not be confined to Information Communication Technology (ICT) , but should also be applied across agriculture, healthcare, education, business, engineering, culture, the creative arts and sports.
According to Minister McCoy, the knowledge, creativity and talent of young Guyanese can also drive entrepreneurship, create employment and strengthen Guyana’s competitiveness globally.
“We want you to be the innovators to such extent that you’ll be able to lead the way to create for us the dynamic environment as a country,” he told the young participants.
He further encouraged young people to see themselves as partners in Guyana’s development, stressing that opportunities created through government programmes must be matched by the willingness of youth to learn, adapt and apply their skills.
“Guyana needs a generation that is innovative, ethical, patriotic, united, and prepared to lead,” Minister McCoy said.
The minister said empowering young people to become creators rather than consumers will be important to building a more innovative, productive and competitive Guyana.
A total of 38 young people graduated on Friday from the innovation camp.
The five-day camp is geared to young people aged 14 to 21 and is designed to strengthen their digital skills while encouraging creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Participants explored how technology can support education, address everyday challenges and create opportunities for personal and professional development.
The programme featured practical sessions in coding and programming, web development, Office Productivity, Cyber Security and ICT literacy.
Participants were also engaged in problem-solving exercises, creative activities and other hands-on sessions aimed at transforming innovative ideas into practical solutions.5478