Residents of Tuschen, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, say years of sustained government investment have reshaped their community, improving access to education, strengthening infrastructure, expanding opportunities for farmers and enhancing overall living standards.
The residents shared their experiences with the Department of Public Information (DPI) on Monday during President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s consultation on the government’s Model Village Initiative, where community members outlined their priorities for the village’s continued development.
One of the most significant changes pointed out by residents is the construction of the new secondary school, which has brought quality education closer to home and eased the burden on families.
Longtime resident Godfrey Haywood said the facility has benefited not only Tuschen but neighbouring communities by providing children with a safe and accessible learning environment.
He said, “This is one of the greatest achievements. There are a lot of residents who have benefited from this facility. The water system has developed a little bit more and we look forward to seeing a lot more benefits for us.”
Haywood added that the steady pace of development over the past decade has transformed the community and expressed confidence that continued investments will deliver even greater benefits.
Another resident, Wendy Calendar Savory, also pointed to education as one of Tuschen’s greatest successes, noting that families now have access to nursery, primary and secondary schooling within their own community.
She said road upgrades have further improved daily life, making travel easier and creating a more welcoming environment for residents.
Looking ahead, Savory believes the Model Village Initiative will build on those gains and create a better future for generations to come.
“That would be great for us, at least for our future children and grandchildren. If we continue to get more development like that, that would be nice.”
Farmer Noel Marcus reflected on the progress made in the agricultural sector, explaining that the issuance of long-awaited land leases has allowed more farmers to invest with greater confidence.
While welcoming improvements to housing, water services and community security, he said better access roads to farming areas would further strengthen agricultural production.
“The work of the president is excellent,” he stated.
For many in Tuschen, the initiative represents an opportunity to build on years of progress and ensure that development continues to create lasting opportunities for current and future generations.