Since 2020, Region 1 (Barima–Waini) has experienced a remarkable digital transformation, as the Government of Guyana delivers on its promise to expand connectivity and access in the hinterland. Mobile and 4G network services have now been extended to 12 remote villages, bringing unprecedented access to education, economic opportunity, and communication for thousands of residents.
According to the National Data Management Authority (NDMA), the rollout has included communities such as Santa Rosa, Waramuri, Kwebanna, and Karaburi. These villages, once digitally isolated, now have active 4G coverage and reliable mobile signals, made possible through collaborative efforts between the NDMA, the Ministry of Public Telecommunications, and telecommunications providers such as GTT and Digicel (NDMA, 2023 Annual Report).
The benefits of this connectivity have been far-reaching. In the education sector, the Ministry of Education reported that schools in Warapoka and Kwebanna were equipped with internet-enabled devices and supported by virtual learning platforms. These upgrades enabled students to participate in online classrooms, access educational content, and sit national examinations remotely—a major step forward in reducing the learning gap between coastal and interior regions (Ministry of Education ICT Update, 2023).
Economic activity has also seen a boost. Farmers and small business owners in Region 1 now use mobile apps and social media to track market prices, coordinate deliveries, and communicate directly with buyers on the coast. This real-time access reduces reliance on intermediaries and helps maximize their earnings. The Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) noted in a 2024 briefing that digital access in hinterland areas has strengthened supply chains and opened new markets for indigenous products.
The President, in his 2024 address on technological inclusion, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide. He stated, “Technology must be seen as a fundamental right—one that enables opportunity for every Guyanese, regardless of geography” (Office of the President, 2024).
In Region 1, connectivity has become a catalyst for empowerment. What began as a promise to improve digital access has evolved into a broader mission to ensure that no village is left behind. This is not just about signals—it’s about enabling communities to learn, earn, and thrive in the digital age.
