The reaffirmation by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips of the Government’s commitment to cybersecurity marks a critical moment in the nation’s digital transformation. Speaking at the Cybersecurity Fair hosted by the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), the Prime Minister underscored the urgency of safeguarding digital infrastructure as the country accelerates its investments in e-Government platforms, smart public systems, and national connectivity.
The gravity of the cybersecurity challenge was clearly framed with reference to global statistics from the World Economic Forum, which reported cybercrime losses of US$11.5 trillion in 2023 — a number expected to more than double by 2027. In the face of such staggering figures, the importance of cybersecurity as a foundational element of national development cannot be overstated.
Guyana’s push towards a digital economy is not a vision for the distant future; it is actively underway. The implementation of 43 cybersecurity policies, standards and guidelines across Government agencies represents a strategic and pre-emptive response to emerging digital threats. These measures, initiated in 2024, are already demonstrating effectiveness in key national initiatives such as the Safe Road Intelligent System with e-ticketing, the Border Control System featuring automated e-gates at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, the Electronic Identification Card Project, and the National Health Records Management System.
These innovations are more than technological upgrades; they represent a paradigm shift in how public services are delivered. Efficiency, transparency, and accessibility are now becoming the hallmarks of public interaction with the state. Yet, with increased digital dependency comes increased vulnerability, particularly to cyberattacks that can disrupt services, compromise sensitive data, and undermine public trust.
The Prime Minister’s call for equipping public servants with cybersecurity training and resources is both timely and necessary. No digital transformation effort can be successful if the human element is neglected. Public officers must be empowered with the knowledge and tools to defend the nation’s digital assets, especially in a climate where cybercrime techniques are evolving as rapidly as the technologies they seek to exploit.
The Cybersecurity Fair itself serves as a commendable model for proactive engagement. By bringing together Government agencies, ICT professionals, and cybersecurity experts for workshops and live demonstrations, the event functioned not only as a training platform, but also as a symbol of the collaborative spirit required to safeguard the digital realm. It was a clear demonstration of NDMA’s growing leadership in building national cyber resilience.
Partnerships at the regional and international levels also play a vital role. The Caricom Regional ICT Sector Gap Analysis and the UNDP-supported Digital Readiness Assessment are providing Guyana with invaluable benchmarks and frameworks to guide policy and investment decisions. Such collaborations enhance the ability to adopt best practices, access technical expertise, and align Guyana’s efforts with global standards.
The work being done is not without challenges, but the results are becoming increasingly visible. Communities across the country are experiencing improved internet access. Digital infrastructure is enabling faster and more inclusive public services. Government agencies are becoming more agile and responsive through digital integration. These are signs of a country on the cusp of a digital revolution — one that is inclusive, secure, and forward-looking.
However, the Prime Minister’s message also included a crucial reminder: cybersecurity cannot rest solely on Government action. A cohesive, whole-of-society approach is necessary. The private sector, civil society, academia, and individual citizens must all participate in shaping and protecting the digital landscape. Only through unified effort can the full benefits of the digital era be realised, while mitigating the risks that accompany it.
As Guyana continues its journey towards becoming a smarter and more connected nation, cybersecurity must remain a non-negotiable pillar of development. It is a national imperative. The country’s digital future depends not just on innovation, but on resilience. This Government’s stance, as articulated by the Prime Minister, is a decisive step in that direction. It is a vision that demands continued investment, vigilance, and collective responsibility. Guyana must remain not only digitally advanced, but digitally secure.
