-$1b allocated for national e-ID cards
The government has recognised the importance of incorporating digital solutions as it seeks to enhance the delivery of public services and to this end has passed a range of legislative measures aimed at streamlining operations and improving transparency, Senior Minister within the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service, Dr Ashni Singh, told the National Assembly on Friday during his Budget 2025 presentation.
Some of these measures included the Data Protection Act, Digital Identity Card Act, Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, and the Planning and Development Single Window System Act in 2023. And in 2024, the Open Data Bill was introduced to further promote public data transparency. Additionally, efforts are underway to implement a comprehensive Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Master Plan, with the first phase slated for completion by 2025. This will allow citizens easier access to government services and faster processing times for certificates.
Singh also informed that a National eID system is being developed, which will integrate the current several identifiers used by citizens in interacting with different government agencies, making it possible to access services with a single card. Distribution of cards, he disclosed, is scheduled to begin this year, and a budget of $1 billion is allocated to the project. Government is also advancing several initiatives aimed at modernising identification systems and services, with a new Electronic Passport Control System at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri set to improve passenger processing times.
An electronic health records system is also being rolled out, with the design of a software for the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) System already underway, which will connect patient records across health facilities nationwide. Over 50 telemedicine sites have been operationalised, with plans to establish more in 2025 to support healthcare access in remote areas.
And in education, government is working to expand digital learning opportunities. Singh noted that the One Guyana Digital School initiative will provide a digital platform for Grades 10 and 11 students, offering self-paced courses aligned with the CSEC curriculum, with live teacher support available. Further, the Education Management Information System is being implemented in over 1,000 schools to enhance data collection, with full deployment expected by the end of 2025.
