President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali on Friday announced a series of transformative development initiatives for the indigenous community of Akawini in Region Two during a cabinet outreach, with commitments spanning housing, agriculture, education, healthcare, infrastructure and sports.
Addressing residents, the president said the evolving needs of communities reflect the government’s sustained investments in improving access to essential services and creating new development opportunities.
Among the major announcements was a housing improvement programme targeting more than 200 households in the community.
The initiative will see the government helping families to improve their homes by giving support for building materials, while creating economic opportunities for local producers of timber and other construction materials.
The president also unveiled plans to strengthen livelihoods through expanded agricultural support.
He said the Ministry of Agriculture will collaborate with the soon-to-be-established Guyana Development Bank to develop projects that support farmers through beekeeping, honey production and the expansion of coconut cultivation in the region.
In addition, the National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) will immediately deploy equipment to clear the main access creek and drainage channels in the area, and the Guyana Forestry Commission and the NDIA will work together to clear roads used by farmers.
Responding to calls for improved access to secondary education, President Ali directed that work begin immediately on the design of a secondary school for the area.
“Today you’re asking for your own secondary school. Years ago, communities were asking for basic education, healthcare, and roads. Today you’re talking about sports grounds, lights and modern facilities because the government has been continuously investing in improving people’s lives,” President Ali stated.
“If we cannot start before the end of this year, then it will be placed as a priority for next year,” the president assured residents.
In the health sector, he instructed officials to conduct a full assessment of the community’s health facility to upgrade the services, while committing to examining the provision of improved vaccine storage through solar-powered refrigeration.
President Ali also addressed concerns surrounding delays in processing birth certificates and old-age pensions, directing senior officials from the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security to remain in the community until all eligible residents receive the required documentation and access to their benefits.
Additional commitments included upgrading the community’s sports ground through grading works, providing sporting equipment, improving internet connectivity, enhancing facilities for Community Service Officers (CSOs), and assessing the need for a boat engine to support community work.
President Ali said development in the Pomeroon would continue in phases, noting that the government remains committed to making responsible investments that improve the quality of life for residents while expanding opportunities for future generations.
“We are going to continue to work hard in the interest of all of you and your families,” the president stated.