Govt launches Model Village initiative to transform communities

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has unveiled an ambitious Model Village initiative to transform communities across Guyana into modern, economically vibrant and socially connected spaces where citizens can live, work and thrive.

The initiative, which begins with consultations in 23 villages, forms part of the government’s wider vision to ensure that development reaches every community while preserving each village’s unique identity, culture and heritage.

Addressing residents of Leonora during the launch, President Ali said the government’s objective is to ensure that the benefits of Guyana’s rapid development are experienced by citizens in every village across the country.

He said, “We want development to reach every single citizen. And, we want the transformation that every citizen sees in Georgetown, in their own villages, in their own communities. That is why it is important that that development and transformation be experienced in the living condition and the lives of people every single day.”

The president stressed that villages remain the foundation of Guyanese society, noting that the 2022 National Census confirms that almost three out of every four Guyanese continue to reside in villages.

He explained that meaningful national development cannot occur without strengthening the communities where people raise families, educate their children, worship, conduct business and build their futures.

President Ali said the initiative seeks to reclaim villages as centres of social and economic development through a comprehensive framework built around four pillars-Connectivity, Community, Commerce and Care.

He explained that the approach extends beyond roads and infrastructure to include improved economic opportunities, stronger social cohesion, safer environments, better public spaces and enhanced quality of life.

“A model village should be a place where people can live well, work, learn, raise families, recreate, worship, build businesses, access essential services, have a great sense of security, a sense of belonging, have peace of mind, and feel that they belong,” he said.

The head of state stressed that while every village will be modernised, the government has no intention of creating identical communities.

Instead, he said, each village’s history, traditions and economic strengths will be preserved while improving infrastructure and services.

The consultations will allow residents to identify priority areas, including roads, drainage, lighting, recreational facilities, commercial zones and other community needs.

President Ali said residents’ participation will be central to shaping the future of their communities.

He said, “We’re here to listen to you. You know where the roads are needed. You know where the drainage problems are. You know where the children play. You know where the businesses are… Tell us what works. Tell us what does not work. Tell us what should be preserved.”

He added that creating successful model villages will require a partnership between government, local democratic organs, community organisations and residents.

Meanwhile, Minister of Housing Collin Croal said the consultations will commence immediately in the 23 identified communities as government works to develop a blueprint for what modern villages should become.

The minister noted that, “In order to start that, we have identified 23 model villages, for which over the next week, starting today, all of those communities identified will be visited, will be engaged, and the interaction will happen.”

Minister Croal said the initiative reflects President Ali’s longstanding emphasis on creating cleaner, better maintained and more liveable communities across Guyana. [DPI]