President Dr. Irfaan Ali says Guyana’s economic transformation must result in stronger and more prosperous communities, with development reaching every village across the country.

The President made the remarks during the launch of public consultations for the Government’s Model Village Initiative in Region Three.

Addressing residents at Leonora Secondary School, on the Model Village Initiative, President Ali said national development should not only be measured by economic performance, but also by improvements in the quality of life of citizens. He said villages should be places where people can live, work, raise families and grow businesses while having access to quality infrastructure, essential services and economic opportunities.

“We must translate national prosperity into community prosperity, if we are to do that, we must reclaim the village as the center of social and economic development, we have to foster the wholesome development of our villages,” he said.

The President said the initiative will be guided by four key pillars: connectivity, community, commerce and care, with initial focus on improving infrastructure, stronger social bonds, greater economic opportunities and access to services that enhance residents’ overall well-being.

“A model village does not mean a standardized village, we do not want to take one village and reproduce it across the Guyana. Every community has its own history, has its own tradition, we want to celebrate that, its own economic base, its own physical characteristics, its own culture, strengths and its own challenges,” he added.

During the engagements, residents shared ideas, highlighted concerns and outlined priorities that will help define the standard for model communities.

The Model Village Initiative forms part of the Government’s broader plan to ensure economic growth delivers lasting benefits for communities across Guyana.