At his weekly press conference on Thursday, Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo provided an in-depth update on the ongoing digitization efforts in Guyana, highlighting significant advancements across various sectors.
From streamlining airport processes to enhancing healthcare systems, Jagdeo reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming the nation through innovative technology.
Dr. Jagdeo began by reflecting on the extensive work accomplished since the administration’s inception.
“If you examine every sector of the economy during our time in office, the progress we’ve made is remarkable,” he stated.
He expressed concern over the media’s lack of coverage on these transformative initiatives, which he believes are crucial for improving the lives of Guyanese.
One of the projects currently being advanced is the implementation of a paperless system at Guyana’s airports. The Vice President announced that by year-end, travelers will experience a fully automated border management system.
This upgrade will allow for pre-screening of passengers and the use of automated gates, where travelers can simply swipe their identification documents for expedited entry.
The rollout of new biometric ID cards is also progressing as well. These cards will be mandatory for all citizens and residents, featuring state-of-the-art security features to prevent identity theft.
Jagdeo emphasized that the IDs will enhance access to essential services and financial products, significantly benefiting those in remote regions.
The Safe Guyana project is gaining momentum with the deployment of smart cameras in key regions, aimed at improving public safety.
These cameras will utilize predictive analytics to identify potential crime hotspots, allowing law enforcement to deploy resources more effectively.
The automation of the Ministry of Home Affairs is underway, with a focus on linking databases related to vital records and criminal information.
This integration will streamline operations and enhance security, although strict privacy protections will be enforced to safeguard personal data.
Progress is also being made in the healthcare sector with the implementation of an electronic patient record system.
This initiative will ensure that healthcare providers have immediate access to a patient’s complete medical history, improving the quality of care across both public and private facilities.
Looking ahead, Dr. Jagdeo discussed plans to incorporate blockchain technology into land and mining record management to combat issues of record tampering.
“Blockchain will ensure that our records are secure and unalterable,” he noted, highlighting the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
Dr. Jagdeo reaffirmed the government’s dedication to driving digital transformation in Guyana. He urged both citizens and the media to recognize the significance of these advancements, which, while not always visible, are pivotal in shaping a modern, secure, and prosperous society.
