All inland areas to have internet connection by the end of the year

– Prime Minister Phillips said, underlining the government’s commitment to closing the digital divide

Guyana’s Prime Minister, Brigadier General (Retd) Mark Phillips, has stressed Government’s commitment to the comprehensive development of Guyana’s hinterland region, stressing on substantial investments and infrastructure improvements.

During his visit to Upper Mazaruni on Sunday, the Prime Minister reminded the audience that the government is working to provide internet connectivity to all interior areas by the end of the year.

He stressed that this shift is of great significance in narrowing the digital divide across the country.

He also assured the people of Upper Mazaruni region that development in all sectors would continue.

“We are bringing development to all your communities. Every community in Upper Mazaruni will be developed, not only in sports but in every other aspect of development,” the prime minister declared.

Over the past four years, the Government has invested in outback communities by strengthening Indigenous leadership in partnership with the National Toshaus Council Secretariat and expanding land rights through the wider titling program.

The restoration of the Community Service Officer (CSO) program and presidential grants also boosted job creation. Youth development received more than $1 billion annually, including $100 million for higher education for 800 inland students, while cultural preservation received $147 million to preserve American Indian traditions and heritage through 2024.

The Prime Minister noted: “From 2020 to date, we have invested more than $70 billion in various aspects of hinterland development. From 2024 to 2025, we will invest more; the five-year development will cover the whole of Guyana, including the coastline and the hinterland.”

High-speed Internet

Prime Minister Phillips also spoke about the planned expansion of ground-breaking Low Earth Orbit (LEO) equipment to Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and throughout the Hinterland, and highlighted the high-speed internet service that is being rolled out across Guyana.

The first phase has successfully connected Region 1 (Barima-Waini) and Region 2 (Pomeran-Supenaam), while the second phase will commence in August, starting with Region 7 and gradually extending to the entire hinterland.

The Prime Minister, who was in the district to attend the 25th Upper Mazaruni District Games held at the Tunnel Tiger Sports Ground in Kamarang/Walawata, also stressed the ruling government’s commitment to sports development and the Upper Mazaruni District Games.

While praising the organisers for their sustained efforts over the past 25 years, the Prime Minister also emphasised the government’s commitment to improving sports facilities in the region.

He said that in 2022, Chairman Dr Irfan Ali promised to develop the ground to standard size and so far, a lot of money has been invested in the development of the Kamalang ground (Tunnel Tigers Sports Ground), installing lights, laying underground lines, building new stands and carrying out restoration works on the ground.

“We spent about $21 million to bring the venue up to the standard to host these games. This shows how seriously we take sports in Guyana,” the Prime Minister said.

In addition, the Department of Amerindian Affairs donated $1.5 million for overall support of the Games, while the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports donated $1.7 million for trophies and other support.

Prime Minister Phillips pledged the government’s long-term support for the District Games.

“The People’s Progressive Party and the Civic Government are committed to supporting these district level games for the next 25 years,” he said.

The Government of Guyana also presented a GOLDLINK diesel generator to Toshao in Kako Village, a move facilitated by the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Her Excellency Pauline Sukhai, and the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, His Excellency Charles Ramson.

The single-phase unit has a power of 27.5 kVA (22 kW) at 235V and 60 Hz and is valued at approximately $4 million.