His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali led a series of community consultations across Region Three as the Government commenced implementation of a major national programme to transform villages into safer, better-connected, economically productive and socially cohesive communities.
The President engaged residents of Leonora, Tuschen, Zeelugt, Goed Fortuin, Parfaite Harmonie, and Pouderoyen on proposed development models, infrastructure priorities, economic opportunities and the shared responsibilities of citizens, businesses, local authorities and the Government in building stronger communities.
The consultations form part of an initial pilot programme that will ultimately be expanded across Guyana.
“We are launching a programme that will eventually touch every single village in our country,” President Ali declared.
He said development must be experienced not only through major national projects but in the communities where people live, raise their families, worship, operate businesses and build their futures.
“We want development to reach every single citizen, and we want the transformation that every citizen sees in Georgetown, in their own villages, their own communities.”
People at the centre of development
President Ali explained that the model would be replicated in concept, rather than through a standard design imposed on every community. He said that while villages will benefit from consistent standards of infrastructure, public services, safety and economic opportunity, each community will retain its distinct history, culture, traditions and physical characteristics.
He stressed that communities are not defined only by geographical boundaries, roads or buildings, but by the people, institutions, relationships and values that give them life.
The President noted that residents must therefore be directly involved in identifying priorities and shaping the future of their communities.
Technical teams, including engineers and surveyors, have spent several months examining infrastructure deficiencies, commercial activity, social challenges and development opportunities in the selected villages. The consultations allow residents to review the initial proposals, identify additional needs and outline how they want their communities to develop over the next 10 to 20 years.
“We’re not here simply to tell you what the village should look like. We’re here to listen, because the people who live in the village know that village better than anyone else.”
Translating prosperity into community prosperity
The Head of State said Guyana’s economic growth must result in tangible improvements in citizens’ everyday lives.
He said the true test of prosperity is whether it produces better homes, safer neighbourhoods, improved roads and drainage, adequate lighting, recreational spaces, greater access to services and more opportunities for young people and families.
The President noted that almost three out of every four Guyanese reside in villages. He said the village must therefore remain central to the country’s development and must be restored as a place where people can live, work, establish businesses, develop skills and participate meaningfully in community life.
Development guided by the Four Cs
President Ali outlined a development strategy structured around four pillars: Connectivity, Community, Commerce and Care.
Connectivity will address roads, bridges, culverts, drainage, street lighting, pedestrian safety, parking, utilities, fire-prevention systems and access to essential services. It will also improve connections between villages, schools, workplaces, markets and the wider economy.
Community will focus on restoring social cohesion and creating spaces where residents can interact. Proposed investments include community centres, playgrounds, parks, recreational facilities, youth spaces and facilities for senior citizens.
The President also encouraged the expanded use of schools and public buildings for literacy, youth, women and community-development programmes. He noted that churches, temples, masjids, and other faith-based institutions have an important role in strengthening families, instilling values and helping to guide young people.
Commerce, he explained, will support the growth of agriculture, markets, shops, workshops, artisans, home-based enterprises, services, light manufacturing and digital businesses. Commercial activities will be better organised so that businesses can grow without negatively affecting residential areas.
Care will centre on dignity, safety, education, health, environmental responsibility, support for vulnerable residents and the inclusion of persons with disabilities. It will also require improved waste management, clean drains, maintained verges, green spaces and greater responsibility for the appearance and well-being of communities.
The President said infrastructure alone would not create successful villages and emphasised that development must also strengthen faith, character, neighbourly conduct, personal responsibility and respect for the elderly, children and vulnerable members of society.
At Tuschen, the Government presented several concepts, which were developed after studying the community’s physical and social needs.
The proposals include an organised community market, a clean and secure food-court facility, family-oriented green and recreational spaces, support for small businesses and the use of technology to strengthen local food production.
President Ali said communities must be able to generate economic activity and provide residents with more opportunities closer to home.
“We want every community to have a life of its own, to have an ecosystem of its own.”
At Zeelugt, President Ali announced that the community would benefit from a new market designed to increase economic activity, improve the surrounding environment and create safer conditions for vendors and consumers.
The wider development concept includes improved drains and parapets, upgraded community facilities, designated areas for trucks and heavy equipment and organised spaces for snackettes and other commercial operators.
The President also highlighted the need for a targeted integration programme to address social challenges and expand economic opportunities within Zeelugt’s diverse population.
At Pouderoyen, the Government presented plans for a modern, two-storey market intended to become a major economic and social centre for the community and neighbouring villages.
The proposed development follows consultations with vendors and residents and will reorganise more than 140 existing stalls and commercial spaces into a structured, hygienic and accessible facility.
The proposed market will include separate male and female washrooms, parking for approximately 60 vehicles, a dedicated garbage compactor, a goods lift and properly illuminated interior and exterior areas.
Wet and dry goods will be separated, with designated areas for meat, poultry, vegetables, provisions, clothing, electronics, craft, jewellery, beauty services, barbering, stationery, document services and offices.
A farmers’ market will be integrated into the facility to accommodate producers from surrounding agricultural communities. The market will also feature a food court that will operate seven days per week and into the evening.
President Ali said the facility was designed to attract consumers, generate greater commercial activity and create additional earning opportunities for vendors.
“I want you to see this market as something bigger than the building. It’s about you. It’s about the people.”
The market will also be capable of hosting community events, allowing it to promote local food, traditions and entertainment while drawing visitors from outside the community.
The President pointed to the success of the Leonora Friday night market, which has developed into a popular attraction and generated economic opportunities for vendors and surrounding businesses.
He linked the Pouderoyen investment to the wider transformation of Region Three, including new highways, roads and housing developments.
The President also announced that approximately 30,000 new homes are projected to be constructed between Wales and Leonora over the next five years, which he explained will create new communities, a larger consumer base and additional opportunities for businesses.
Development through partnership
The Model Communities Programme, the President underscored, must be built through partnership.
The Government will provide the necessary infrastructure, facilities, services and policy environment, but residents, businesses, local authorities, religious organisations, parents, young people and community groups must also accept responsibility for maintaining safe, orderly and caring communities.
“Government can provide the foundation, but people must help build the community.”
Government agency representatives also accompanied the President throughout the consultations to document personal concerns raised by residents and facilitate follow-up by the relevant ministries and agencies.
The President said the ultimate objective is to create communities that are connected, economically active, inclusive, clean, safe and filled with opportunity.
“Let us make them centres of opportunity. Let us make them places where people do not merely reside but truly belong.”
He added that his Government’s vision is to create villages where the next generation could live with dignity and confidently raise their families while pursuing their ambitions and goals.
The national community-development consultations will continue in communities throughout the country this week.
