ICT access and E-service for poor and remote communities

The objective of the ICT (Information and Communications Technology) Access and E-Services for Hinterland, Poor, and Remote Communities Project is to provide connectivity and accompanying electronic services to 200 Hinterland, Poor, and Remote Communities (HPRCs) across Guyana. Fostering sustainable development in these regions is one of the core priority outcomes of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). A key component in achieving this is the provision of public services and information via the deployment and use of new Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs). While ICTs play a central role in the process, the ultimate goal of the project is to enhance the sustainable human development of HPRCs while promoting the development of a national green economy.

The Government of Guyana, working closely with UNDP, has already completed a comprehensive baseline and needs assessment study for HPRCs. The study, which included field visits and direct interaction with target communities, provided deep insights into the core issues these communities face and suggested technologies and business models to help bring and sustain the needed services and information.