Young people in hinterland communities can now complete processes online that once required travelling long distances or leaving their community altogether, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips said as he pointed to the expansion of information and communications technology (ICT) hubs as one of the more consequential shifts in Indigenous village life.
Speaking at the Heritage Village 2026 celebrations at Bumbury village in Mabaruma sub-district, Prime Minister Phillips said $1.6 billion has been invested in ICT hubs across hinterland communities since 2021.
There are now 170 fully operational hubs, with more under construction.
More than 3,000 people from 200 communities have received ICT training, he said, with women making up 75 per cent of those trained.
The hubs provide access to online applications and public services that were previously out of reach for many residents.
“As more services are now available for people online throughout the length and breadth of Guyana, this has a particular value for young people who previously had to leave their communities or travel considerable distances,” he said, adding that access to technology “now affects education and employment.”
Prime Minister Phillips also cited progress in hinterland healthcare. He said residents from a number of villages have been trained to provide primary health care services locally, reducing the need to travel before receiving care.
Across Indigenous communities collectively, some 253 villages, electricity generating capacity has risen from 1.62 megawatts to 17.5 megawatts, the prime minister said, supporting health facilities, schools, businesses and households.
“Development [can] finally be judged by what changes within a household,” he said, adding that government “…acknowledges there is still work ahead” on roads, telecommunications, housing and support for local enterprises in some communities. [DPI]
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