President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has launched a nationwide Model Village initiative aimed at transforming communities across Guyana into modern, economically vibrant and socially connected spaces where residents can live, work and thrive.
The initiative, which begins with consultations in 23 villages, forms part of the government’s broader vision to ensure development reaches every community while preserving each village’s unique identity, culture and heritage.
Launching the initiative in Leonora, President Ali said the government’s goal is to ensure that every citizen benefits from Guyana’s rapid development, regardless of where they live.
“We want development to reach every single citizen. And, we want the transformation that every citizen sees in Georgetown, in their own villages, in their own communities. That is why it is important that that development and transformation be experienced in the living condition and the lives of people every single day,” the President said.
President Ali underscored the importance of villages to Guyanese society, noting that the 2022 National Census found that nearly three out of every four Guyanese continue to reside in villages.
He said national development must be rooted in strengthening communities where people raise families, educate their children, worship, conduct business and build their futures.
The Head of State explained that the Model Village initiative is built around four key pillars—Connectivity, Community, Commerce and Care—with a focus on improving not only infrastructure but also economic opportunities, social cohesion, public spaces, safety and overall quality of life.
“A model village should be a place where people can live well, work, learn, raise families, recreate, worship, build businesses, access essential services, have a great sense of security, a sense of belonging, have peace of mind, and feel that they belong,” he said.
President Ali stressed that while villages will be modernised, the government has no intention of creating identical communities.
Instead, he said each village’s history, traditions and economic strengths will be preserved while infrastructure and public services are enhanced.
As part of the initiative, residents will be consulted to identify priority areas for development, including roads, drainage, street lighting, recreational facilities, commercial zones and other community needs.
The President said residents’ input will play a central role in shaping the future of their communities.
“We’re here to listen to you. You know where the roads are needed. You know where the drainage problems are. You know where the children play. You know where the businesses are… Tell us what works. Tell us what does not work. Tell us what should be preserved,” he said.
He added that the success of the initiative will depend on collaboration between the government, local democratic organs, community organisations and residents.
Meanwhile, Minister of Housing and Water Collin Croal said consultations will begin immediately in the 23 selected communities as the government works to develop a blueprint for modern villages across Guyana.
“In order to start that, we have identified 23 model villages, for which over the next week, starting today, all of those communities identified will be visited, will be engaged, and the interaction will happen,” Minister Croal said.
The minister added that the initiative reflects President Ali’s longstanding vision of creating cleaner, better maintained and more liveable communities throughout the country.
