Huawei donates 1000 internet boxes to PM

– Says donation will aid in bridging digital divide
Prime Minister, Mark Phillips yesterday received 1000 internet boxes (LTE/Wifi CPE) from
several representatives of Chinese multinational technology corporation, Huawei. The boxes are
capable of transferring 4G networks outdoors at over 300 metres and just below 100 metres
indoors to more than 100 users at a time.

Phillips said that the donation will assist his government in its aim to bridge the digital divide by
providing access to ICT throughout the country.  “I can assure you that this equipment will go a
far way in helping us to achieve an important part of our plan for the people of Guyana—that is
to bridge the digital divide in the area of ICT connectivity,” the Prime Minister said. The PM
pointed out that the donation from Huawei is an excellent show of corporate social
responsibility, while he called China an important development partner for Guyana.
CEO of Huawei’s Caribbean Office, Jin Zhefeng, said that the gesture is a part of the company’s
COVID-19 support measures, since the pandemic has accelerated the need for technological
advancement. “The digital economy contributes more and more to national development. Digital
ICT infrastructure and talent with digital skill are the two driving wheels for this transformation.
Huawei is committed and will continue with our efforts in supporting Guyana’s digital
development with leading technology,” CEO Zhefeng said.
Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Guyana, Her Excellency Guo Haiyan, was also
present at the simple handing-over ceremony. She praised the bilateral ties between China and
Guyana, noting that the two countries will celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties in 2022.
Ambassador Haiyan said that she is pleased to see the importance with which the government
has been treating the ICT sector. “I’ve noticed that the Guyanese government has attached great
importance to ICT. Since taking government, it has pushed forward with the formulation of a
national ICT development plan aimed at improving connectivity bandwidth and enhancing
connectivity in the hinterland,” the Chinese diplomat said.
The Ambassador noted that China will continue to work with Guyana to deepen coordination
with regard to the belt and road initiative, the Low Carbon Development Strategy, the expansion
of pragmatic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. Permanent Secretary within the
Office of the Prime Minister, Derrick Cummings and senior managers within the Office of the
Prime Minister with responsibility for ICT, were also present.