By Josiah Williams
The Government of Guyana continues to make strategic investments to strengthen the nation’s security system, with a significant focus on digital transformation.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali recently announced that the Ministry of Home Affairs’ services will soon be fully digitized as part of phase one of the country’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Masterplan 2030.
Speaking at a press conference, President Ali emphasized the importance of technology in the expansion and modernization of Guyana’s security system.
The Ministry of Home Affairs will see its services, including birth certificates, death certificates, immigration, work permits, and visa services, entirely digitized and automated.
In addition to digitizing the Ministry’s services, the government is implementing the E-gate and border control project and the $34.5 million National Electronic Identification Card project.
These initiatives aim to streamline and enhance the efficiency of security and administrative services.
President Ali also highlighted that this digital migration will extend to six other government ministries, furthering the overall goal of modernization and improved service delivery.
Strategic partnerships with other countries and international agencies have played a crucial role in enhancing Guyana’s security sector.
Collaborations with nations such as France, Brazil, the United States, the United Kingdom, and CARICOM have yielded significant results, particularly in the fight against drugs and firearms.
The country has seen a 797% increase in drug seizures from 2023 to the present, equating to a street value of $3 million USD, along with an 11.2% increase in marijuana seizures, valued at $2.1 million USD.
These efforts underscore the government’s commitment to leveraging technology and international cooperation to bolster national security and improve the efficiency of public services.