23 communities set for ‘Model Village’ transformation
August 3 2026
President Dr Irfaan Ali has launched a nationwide Model Village initiative aimed at transforming communities into cleaner, safer and more economically vibrant places to live, work and raise families.
The initiative begins with consultations in 23 villages, with residents expected to identify the infrastructure, social and economic improvements they want to see in their communities.
Launching the programme in Leonora, President said the government wants citizens in villages to experience the same transformation taking place in Georgetown.
The President said villages remain the foundation of Guyanese society, with the 2022 National Census showing that almost three out of every four Guyanese live in villages.
The Model Village programme will be built around four pillars—Connectivity, Community, Commerce and Care—covering infrastructure, economic opportunities, public spaces, social cohesion, safety and access to essential services.
Ali stressed that the initiative will not seek to make every village look the same.
Instead, development will be tailored to each community while preserving its history, culture, traditions and economic strengths.
Residents will be consulted on priorities including roads, drainage, street lighting, recreational facilities, commercial zones and other community needs.
“We’re here to listen to you,” President told residents, urging them to identify what works, what needs improvement and what aspects of their communities should be preserved.
He said the programme will require cooperation among central government, local democratic organs, community organisations and residents.
Minister of Housing Collin Croal said teams will immediately begin visiting the 23 selected communities to engage residents and gather information that will inform a blueprint for modern village development.
The minister posited that the initiative reflects the government’s broader focus on creating cleaner, better-maintained and more liveable communities across Guyana.
