Residents of Region Seven are expected to gain easier access to a range of government services within the next month when a new government service centre becomes fully operational in the region.
President Dr Irfaan Ali made the announcement during an engagement with residents of Karrau Village on Sunday, explaining that the facility will allow persons to access services such as National Identification cards, Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) transactions, National Insurance Scheme (NIS) services, licensing and birth certificates at a single location.
The centre is intended to reduce the need for residents to travel outside the region to conduct official business, saving both time and money. Toshao of Karrau Village, Shane Cornelius, will oversee the facility.
The President was accompanied by Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally, whose ministry is responsible for the initiative.
Government service centres have already been established in Regions Two, Three and Five as part of a wider effort to improve access to public services across the country.
Addressing transportation concerns, President Ali also announced that a second vessel will be added to the Bartica-Parika route. He said the move is aimed at improving travel along the corridor, which has long been a challenge for commuters.
The additional ferry will complement the vessel currently operating on the route.
The Head of State also outlined plans for hinterland and Amerindian communities to benefit from financing opportunities through the soon-to-be-established Guyana Development Bank.
“The Guyana Development Bank will allow us to target you directly, so that you can benefit from soft loans that will allow you to invest in your small businesses, that will allow you to come together in a consortium…and do larger projects,” President Ali told residents.
Beyond financing, the bank will provide business support through mentoring, coaching and financial management training. The institution is expected to begin operations after the necessary legislation is approved by the National Assembly.
Some US$100 million was allocated in the 2026 National Budget to establish the bank and provide seed capital.
During the outreach, the President also addressed several community concerns, including infrastructure works and electricity needs. He said assessments are underway to determine the most suitable power solution for Karrau.
Residents were also informed that the village will soon have a permanent dentist attached to the health centre. A dental chair has already been purchased and is being installed.
Following the engagement, President Ali said complaints from Karrau have declined significantly over the years, with residents now focusing largely on expanding development projects already implemented in the community.
He noted that the outreach would also be used to assess the performance of technical personnel serving the region.“…not only are we going to be looking at the opportunities and what we have to do, but we’ll also be assessing the performance of technical people. And wherever there are lapses in that performance, there will be a consequential effect. And from this outreach, you will see some of that effect taking place.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, along with Labour and Manpower Planning Minister Keoma Griffith and Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development Pauline Sukhai, met separately with residents and leaders from Imbaimadai and neighbouring communities.
Among the issues raised were street lighting, old-age pensions, land titling, road and bridge rehabilitation, healthcare, education, agriculture, mining, a proposed solar farm and the development of community facilities.
The Prime Minister assured residents that the concerns raised would be examined and addressed through the relevant government ministries and agencies.
