– as Model Village initiative advances
Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Vanessa Benn, said in a preview of Starting Point on Saturday that the transformation of communities and improvements in citizens’ quality of life cannot be measured solely in dollars, as the government advances President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s Model Village initiative.
Benn said that while the government must consider the cost of development, creating cleaner, safer, and better communities for Guyanese remains a priority.
“The more that we would like to see an enhanced environment for each and every Guyanese, that is a cost where you really can’t put a dollar figure to,” Minister Benn
She said the first phase, which includes 23 communities, is expected to serve as a model that can be replicated across villages throughout the country.
According to Minister Benn, the initiative is also about responding to the changing expectations of Guyanese, many of whom travel abroad and return home with greater appreciation for improved infrastructure and community amenities.
“To me this initiative really says, yes we can, yes we will, this is what we’re working to, and our government is making that investment for our people and for our Guyana,” Minister Benn.
Minister Benn acknowledged that development requires proper budgeting, but said government’s approach is focused on ensuring communities are transformed in ways that directly benefit residents.
She emphasised that the ultimate objective is to ensure Guyanese, particularly children, can grow and thrive in environments that are clean, safe and enhanced.