In a bold step toward decentralized energy independence, the Government of Guyana has allocated over GY$885 million to equip 21 Amerindian villages with solar photovoltaic systems—part of a nationwide thrust to close the gap between urban advancement and remote resilience.
The initiative is expected to directly impact over 12,700 residents across the hinterland, enabling round-the-clock electricity for homes, schools, health centres, and small businesses. According to Prime Minister Mark Phillips, the project reflects the administration’s resolve to not only electrify rural communities but empower them through energy equity and digital access.
Addressing the National Toshaos Council Conference, Prime Minister Phillips underscored how strategic energy deployment could catalyze broader development in underrepresented regions. He pointed to Region 9’s Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo, where just 2 of 5.2 installed megawatts are currently being used. Unlocking this unused capacity, he suggested, could drive agro-processing ventures such as mango and cashew product manufacturing, creating jobs and local value chains.
“This isn’t just about power—it’s about potential,” Phillips said. “With clean energy and internet access, these communities are stepping into a new era. Whether it’s accessing virtual classrooms or operating small enterprises, the future is being wired into every corner of Guyana.”
Already, the digital transformation is bearing fruit. Dozens from the hinterland have earned scholarships and degrees through the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL), reinforcing the government’s focus on inclusive progress.
From lightbulbs to livelihoods, Guyana’s solar investment signals more than infrastructure—it marks an intention to rewire opportunity into the nation’s most distant regions.
