The President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali-led Administration is expected to start transforming communities into modern, sustainable settlements through its Model Village Initiative, with the pilot programme beginning in 23 villages before being expanded to other heavily populated communities in Guyana.
“So we are hoping that very soon we can start the pilot, and then we’ll move on with the pilot to other villages. So we’ll see how much we can get done in these five years”, President Ali told the media.
President Ali said the initiative is designed to go beyond physical infrastructure, creating an integrated ecosystem that improves the quality of life for residents while strengthening families, communities and local economies.
“It’s a modern village because it creates that ecosystem that brings together family, community, economy, the social aspects and considerations, all of those things to coexist, to give persons living in those villages a quality of life and a sense of belonging,” President Ali explained.
President Ali explained that the initiative will take a holistic approach to community development, incorporating not only infrastructure but also security and safety, recreational facilities, mental health, wellness and other social considerations.
Importantly, President Ali confirmed that the initiative will be financed through the national budget, demonstrating the government’s commitment to sustained investment in communities and ensuring that development reaches beyond urban centres.
The Model Village Initiative is expected to create communities where social development, economic opportunity and improved living conditions work together, while giving residents a stronger sense of belonging and greater access to essential amenities.
With the pilot serving as the foundation for wider implementation, the government aims to advance the programme across the country during the current five-year period, creating modern, safer and more livable communities for Guyanese.