– puts residents’ quality of life at the centre

The lives of families in Suddie will change significantly as the Model Village initiative takes shape, with residents having a say in how their community is developed.

President Irfaan Ali yesterday visited Suddie on the Essequibo Coast, one of the pilot communities under the initiative.

The vision is to create a Suddie that is safe, clean, environmentally friendly and supports the mental health and well-being of its residents.

But President Ali says Government cannot do it alone.

With a draft plan already in place, residents were asked to share their ideas and concerns, so the final design reflects what the community actually needs.

“As the country continues to develop and advance there are two important challenges that we must be able to cure, one is that of mental health. How do we ensure that our development is addressing mental health issues and challenges, how do we create wellness communities, green, safe communities that offer opportunities for your children, grandchildren to play, work and move in a safe, enjoyable and livable manner,” he said.

The people-centred approach will also look at how residents live, work and spend their leisure time.

Plans include green spaces, parks, play areas, waterfront development, improved traffic management, security cameras, fire hydrants and upgraded roads and bridges.

And those spaces could also help residents earn, with Suddie positioned to benefit from Region Two’s growing tourism industry.

“If someone comes to Region Two to spend a weekend here in Suddie, they could play volleyball, football, basketball, they could go to the seawall, they could take their children to relax, so that an entire ecosystem supports the development here in Suddie. We want communities that are livable,” the president said.

The plans also include exploring agricultural technology hubs.

Suddie is one of 23 pilot communities being developed under the Model Village initiative across Guyana, and as the plans move forward, residents’ input is expected to help shape not just the infrastructure, but the kind of community they want to live in.