Digital Inequality in Developing States: The Hidden Educational Crisis Limiting Progress in Guyana and the Caribbean

Authors

  • Prof. Dr. Stanley Anthony Vivion Paul (Sr.) Professor, University of Excellence, Management and Business (U.E.M.B.), Georgetown, GUYANA.
  • Prof. Dr. Justin Joseph Professor, University of Excellence, Management and Business (U.E.M.B.), Georgetown, GUYANA.
  • Prof. Stanley Anthony Vivion Paul (Jr.) Professor, University of Excellence, Management and Business (U.E.M.B.), Georgetown, GUYANA.
  • Prof. Coretta McDonald Professor, University of Excellence, Management and Business (U.E.M.B.), Georgetown, GUYANA.
  • Prof. Orande Kenneatior Solomon Professor, University of Excellence, Management and Business (U.E.M.B.), Georgetown, GUYANA.
  • Prof. Shenelle Rambhajan Professor, University of Excellence, Management and Business (U.E.M.B.), Georgetown, GUYANA.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55544/ijrah.5.4.31

Keywords:

Digital inequality, educational crisis, Caribbean, Guyana, broadband infrastructure, digital literacy, device access, blended learning, socio-economic disparities, digital inclusion

Abstract

Digital inequality has emerged as one of the most persistent structural barriers to educational advancement in developing countries. Caribbean countries, including Guyana, continue to face significant disparities in connectivity, digital literacy, device access, and technological infrastructure. These challenges impede the equitable expansion of online and blended learning, constrain labour-market readiness, and undermine regional development strategies. This article examines the nature, scope, and consequences of digital inequality across the Caribbean, drawing on contemporary research from global development agencies, academic literature, and regional policy frameworks. The analysis demonstrates that digital exclusion reinforces long-standing socio-economic disparities and limits the transformative potential of digital education. The article concludes with a strategic roadmap for Caribbean states seeking to reduce digital divides and strengthen equitable access to education in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

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References

Caribbean Telecommunications Union. (2022). Caribbean digital development report. CTU Publications.

CARICOM Secretariat. (2022). Digital transformation strategy for the Caribbean community. CARICOM.

Chand, A., & Williams, M. (2021). Digital divides in small developing states: Implications for education and equity. Caribbean Journal of Education, 42(1), 55–78.

Government of Guyana. (2021). ICT Access and e-Services for Hinterland, Poor and Remote Communities. Ministry of Public Telecommunications.

Inter-American Development Bank. (2021). Education and connectivity in Latin America and the Caribbean: Regional assessment. IDB Publications.

International Labour Organization. (2022). Digital skills and youth employment in the Caribbean. ILO.

International Telecommunication Union. (2022). Measuring digital development: Facts and figures. ITU.

Moore, K., & Taylor, S. (2021). Digital disadvantage and academic performance: Evidence from small island developing states. Journal of Education and Development, 15(2), 101–120.

UNESCO. (2022). Digital learning readiness in the Caribbean: Regional analysis. UNESCO Publishing.

van Dijk, J. (2020). The digital divide. Polity Press.

World Bank. (2023). Digital access and the future of education in Latin America and the Caribbean. World Bank Publications.

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Published

2025-03-31

How to Cite

Paul (Sr.), S. A. V., Joseph, J., Paul (Jr.), S. A. V., McDonald, C., Solomon, O. K., & Rambhajan, S. (2025). Digital Inequality in Developing States: The Hidden Educational Crisis Limiting Progress in Guyana and the Caribbean. Integrated Journal for Research in Arts and Humanities, 5(4), 200–202. https://doi.org/10.55544/ijrah.5.4.31

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 4 (2025): July Issue

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Prof. Dr. Stanley Anthony Vivion Paul (Sr.), Prof. Dr. Justin Joseph, Prof. Stanley Anthony Vivion Paul (Jr.), Prof. Coretta McDonald, Prof. Orande Kenneatior Solomon, Prof. Shenelle Rambhajan

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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