By: Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News|
President Dr. Irfaan Ali has issued firm directives for the complete digitisation of key government systems, including the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and all Public Service records, as part of his administration’s aggressive push to modernise Guyana’s public sector.
The announcement was made on Monday during the launch of the National Public Service Upskilling Platform, where the President outlined clear deadlines for completing these digital transformations.
“I’ve given the Minister of Finance a direction that within eight months, NIS records must be fully digitised,” President Ali stated.
He further ordered that all human resource files and administrative records within the public service — including personnel files and employment histories — be fully digitised within five months.
“If we have in every ministry 10 officers trained in digitising documents, that’s more than 300 people across the public service. Bring them together in a projectised way and let’s clean the system up,” he emphasized.
The President said the goal is to create a centralised and efficient digital framework that improves access, transparency, and service delivery across government ministries.
Digitising Agriculture
President Ali also announced plans to extend digital transformation efforts to the agriculture sector, noting that within four months, farmers will be able to access real-time information through new technologies and platforms.
“In four months, farmers must be able to use the tools we’ve been investing in — to access education, weather data, extension support, and technology in the field,” he explained.
Challenges with the Single Window System
However, the President expressed frustration that some officials continue to resist the implementation of the “Single Window System”, a digital governance platform designed to streamline approvals, permits, and business applications.
“There’s resistance because we have found something deep,” President Ali said sternly. “They have two months to ensure the single window system is working not only optimally but as designed. And if it doesn’t happen, then people may have other priorities — and we’ll give them a chance to explore those other priorities.”
The President’s remarks signal a strong message of accountability and urgency as Guyana continues its drive toward digital governance and public service modernization.
