Guyana President Ali sets deadlines for full public sector digitalisation

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has issued firm directives to accelerate Guyana’s National Digitalisation Programme, setting strict timelines for key ministries to modernise public service operations.

Speaking at the launch of the Public Service Upskilling Platform on Monday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, President Ali instructed Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, to fully digitise the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) within eight months. Meanwhile, the Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency, and Implementation has been given five months to digitise all public service records.

Digitisation involves converting analogue information into digital form, a necessary step toward broader digitalisation, which uses technology to transform government processes and improve service delivery.

“I’ve given the Minister of Finance a direction… The Minister of Public Service knows that his entire human resource information system, the entire public service, within five months, all the records, your files, your personal files, everything, must be completely digitised,” President Ali declared.

Once complete, the integrated digital systems are expected to allow ministries to share information seamlessly, cross-reference skills, and enhance overall public service efficiency. The president described digitalisation as central to Guyana’s ambition of becoming a modern, high-performing economy.

President Ali also highlighted plans to digitise agriculture, announcing that farmers will have access to new digital tools and platforms within four months. These technologies are designed to provide real-time field information, weather updates, extension support, and educational resources to boost productivity.

The president stressed that digital transformation across sectors, including tourism, manufacturing, and infrastructure, is part of a broader strategy to create a fully integrated digital economy and position Guyana as a regional leader in innovation and efficiency.

He further revealed that several homegrown apps will be launched within weeks to support public service delivery and national development goals. “We are trusting our young people, our brain power, our technical capability to drive this future,” he said.

These initiatives are in line with the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government’s 2025 manifesto commitments, aimed at delivering a smarter, more connected, and inclusive Guyana.