Prime Minister lauds PUC’s first telecoms stakeholder meeting
Prime Minister, Hon. Brigadier (ret’d) Mark Phillips has lauded the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) for holding its first stakeholder engagement, aimed at ensuring quality telecommunication service is provided to customers countrywide.
Speaking at the virtual event on Friday, the Prime Minister encouraged participants to continue the national conversation on the development of the sector.
“The advent of liberalisation has now intensified the work of the Commission tenfold. And the onus is now on the Commission to ensure that the citizens of this country receive an efficient and reliable service from the operators, whilst ensuring the financial viability of the operators, which will as a result of the prospect of competition, be held accountable for a greater quality of service delivery.”
“My charge to all stakeholders is to use this opportunity to add to the national conversation on development and growth for all Guyanese and indeed the world at large.”
Fulfilling its 2020 manifesto promise, the PPP/C Government in October last year, liberalised the telecommunications sector.
The Prime Minister said the PUC’s discussion came at an opportune time for the sector, which encompasses a range of areas. He said the use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) especially in the areas of health, education and agriculture, will serve to enhance Guyana’s position in this digital age.
“Today, the PUC is launching its ambitious webinar series with intention that this monthly exercise will stimulate and generate conversations on a wide range of issues affecting both operators, and consumers alike.
I’m informed that these issues include: the sustainability and the future of the energy sector, the role of ICTs, hinterland electrification and water quality, which we’ll see participation from local and international stakeholders, as we seek to raise the bar on service quality.” The Prime Minister, who also has oversight of the PUC, the telecommunication and electricity sectors, said he looks forward to continued collaboration with the Commission as the regulatory body and Government strive to move the country to new heights.