President Dr Irfaan Ali says the transformation of Hopetown, Region Five, under the government’s Model Village Initiative will focus not only on improving the community’s physical appearance, but on creating new economic opportunities for residents and making the village more livable.
Hopetown is among the first communities selected for the pilot programme, following a technical assessment of its potential for business creation, expansion and empowerment.
Addressing residents on Friday, President Ali said the village’s history, agricultural base and human resources provide a strong foundation on which to build a modern community.
“We can create a model of economic progress. We can create a model of empowerment. We can create a model of beauty that embodies nature, security, aspiration, environment, children, and the elderly, all in one common agenda,” the president said.
He outlined several possibilities that could emerge from the initiative, including transforming a reserve in the village into a modern food court where existing small vendors could operate in a clean and hygienic environment, while local performers could showcase their talents.
He said such developments must also be properly planned so that commercial activities can expand without creating noise, environmental or other conflicts with nearby residents.
“We have to build the opportunities in the village in a manner that is futuristic, in a manner that allows villagers and the village to be livable,” he said.
The president also identified agriculture and technology-driven production as areas with significant potential for Hope Town, pointing to the possibility of organising young people and women into clusters to develop ventures such as modern swine production and hydroponics.
He said the planned Guyana Development Bank could provide another avenue for residents to turn these ideas into viable businesses.
He urged residents to identify available land and other resources that could be developed into larger economic ventures, including an agricultural hub.
“We want to partner with citizens. We want to partner with you. That is what we are here for—a partnership that will see you having a better life and your community having greater prosperity,”he said.
(Source:DPI)