As government moves to transform 23 communities into model villages, residents are set to gain not only improved infrastructure, but greater access to financing to expand businesses, create jobs and build sustainable livelihoods.
The Guyana Development Bank (GDB) will form part of the multi-agency effort, with representatives expected to return to each of the identified communities following consultations to outline available financing opportunities and help residents turn their business ideas into viable enterprises.
Speaking on the “Starting Point” podcast, Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Vanessa Benn, highlighted that the economic component is critical to ensuring that the Model Village Initiative creates lasting benefits for residents.
“At every consultation that we have held across the 23 villages, the president made the commitment that within the two-week period immediately after each consultation, let’s say two weeks to a month, that the representatives of the Guyana Development Bank will return to these respective villages and detail the opportunities that will come through the bank and how they can benefit,” Minister Benn explained.
The initiative is built around four key pillars; connectivity, community, commerce and care, with government seeking to create communities where improved infrastructure is matched by opportunities for residents to earn, invest and grow.
In communities such as Supenaam, residents have identified opportunities to organise poultry farmers into clusters, allowing small producers to combine their operations and potentially scale up production with access to financing.
The approach is intended to strengthen local economic activity by supporting farmers, vendors and other small businesses, while improved markets and community infrastructure are expected to create better environments for commerce.
Minister Benn said the initiative is therefore not simply about upgrading roads and drainage, but about helping residents recognise and capitalise on the opportunities available within their communities.
She noted that improvements to roads, markets, lighting, drainage and other public infrastructure can also increase the value of properties and make communities more attractive to businesses, customers and even tourists.
The Model Village Initiative is currently targeting 23 communities across Regions Two to Six, with assessments already conducted to identify infrastructure and community needs.
Further, remedial works have commenced in some areas, while broader upgrades are being coordinated among several government ministries and agencies.
The government is positioning the initiative as a long-term investment in communities, one that combines physical transformation with economic opportunity, so residents can benefit directly from Guyana’s continued development.