By MarK DaCosta-In a startling display of priorities, our nation is ambitiously planning a massive Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centre while last night much of Georgetown lay in darkness. As I write this, many of us were left without even the basic comforts of light or fans. Families, including me, struggled as they lit mosquito coils just to get some sleep, forcing those of us with respiratory issues to face dire health risks. It’s a grim reflection on our government’s focus — or lack thereof — on the fundamental needs of our citizens compared to lofty ambitions in the tech realm.
So, as citizens, we must ask: is a cutting-edge AI facility what our country truly needs right now? The recent announcement regarding a 100MW AI Mega Centre, stemming from a partnership with Cerebras Systems, seems extravagant, especially when basic infrastructure continues to falter. President Mr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has proclaimed that this centre will not merely be a data facility but a declaration of ambition, positioning our nation as an “AI-first nation.” But can we afford such a venture when safety nets — like reliable electricity and stable public services — remain dishevelled?
The facility, designed to harness considerable computing power, is intended to meet global demand, drawing in companies and researchers from around the world. While the proposal sounds appealing on paper, it represents approximately 45 percent of our nation’s peak electricity supply. This leads to serious concerns: can we allocate such a significant portion of our power resources to a data centre, given the current energy crisis? Our country is in desperate need of improvements in our health sector, infrastructure, and education — real issues impacting daily lives — rather than pursuing afterthoughts in technology that we may not even need at this juncture.
In the face of these challenges, the government insists on implementing a broader “Digital Guyana” strategy, aspiring for comprehensive e-government services by mid-2026. Yet, the plans hint at a misplaced focus, with technology such as an AI-powered assistant meant to handle citizen queries. While digital innovations have merits, the basic needs of citizens expecting proper healthcare, education, and public safety should take precedence. Throwing resources at a project like the AI Mega Centre amid ongoing blackouts erodes public trust and raises questions about priorities.
The commitment to data sovereignty has been highlighted through a proposed framework aimed at safeguarding national interests. Still, one must ponder: do we need to invest heavily in creating such a data centre when many professionals in journalism, healthcare, and education already have access to AI tools from places like the USA and China — free of charge? Our educational professionals, medical experts, and researchers are already benefiting from these technologies, and our government should focus on improving access to them, rather than launching into costly projects that do not address our most pressing issues. As a writer and journalist, I have absolutely no shortage of AI technology free of charge.
There are substantial hurdles to confront, considering the ambitious integration of AI into key sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and security. For instance, the notion of a telemedicine initiative and a comprehensive electronic patient health records system sounds promising; however, without a solid infrastructure in place, how can we expect these ideas to function effectively? Our hospitals are still grappling with basic challenges; reliable medical supplies and adequate staffing levels are where our focus should be centred. We don’t even have basic drugs. I cannot even get my basic asthma medication. And this government is telling me about a AI place.
As for agriculture, the ambition to implement AI-led systems for mega-scale farms comes in an age when many smallholder farmers are still using manual methods to sustain their livelihoods. The need for greater resources and support for our local farmers is dire, while an application dedicated to 24/7 extension and technical services feels more like a luxury than an immediate necessity.
When considering security, aligning with global AI advancements for bolstering the capabilities of the Guyana Defence Force could prove essential, especially in identifying relevant threats. However, without a strong grounding in national and community safety infrastructure, these AI enhancements become abstract ideals rather than practical solutions.
If our nation is truly committed to moving forward, a significant reconsideration of priorities is essential. Only after laying a solid foundation that addresses vital aspects of life for all citizens can we begin to entertain the lofty ambitions of a technological utopia. While projecting ourselves as a leader in balancing energy production with digital growth is commendable, it cannot come at the expense of the health, safety, and daily conveniences our fellow citizens require to lead fulfilling lives.
It’s disheartening to see our government positioning itself as a player on the global stage while neglecting the urgent domestic needs of its people. As we gaze into the future, we must request accountability and transparency in how public resources are allocated, ensuring our nation thrives not just in theory but in reality. We can no longer settle for headlines of ambition while the lights flicker within our own homes.
