Dear Editor,
They are some leaders who articulate ideas and vision, some who inspire others to dream big.
President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali is not just a visionary leader; he acts on his vision and ideas to bring them into reality.
He gets the job done.
One such vision is President Ali’s Model Village Initiative.
This visionary project represents much more than another infrastructure programme. It is an important attempt to redefine community development in Guyana, by recognising that national prosperity has its greatest meaning when citizens can experience it within the communities where they live.
The President captured this philosophy powerfully when he declared that “national prosperity must translate into community prosperity.” That principle should become one of the defining standards by which Guyana’s present transformation is measured.
What makes the Model Village concept particularly significant is its integrated approach. It brings together improved roads and drainage, walkways, street lighting, landscaping, security and CCTV systems, recreational facilities, proper zoning, commercial opportunities, agriculture, entrepreneurship, and other community services. In other words, the objective is not simply to beautify villages but to make them safer, cleaner, more productive, economically viable, and better places to raise families. It raises living standards and improves overall quality of life for all its inhabitants.
Equally important is the President’s emphasis on “devolution”, taking Government services and economic opportunities directly into communities. This is critical because development should not require people constantly to leave their villages in search of opportunity. Wherever practical, investment, employment, entrepreneurship, and services should increasingly be brought closer to them.
President Ali’s previous experience as Minister of Housing is particularly relevant. Housing development teaches us that allocating a house-lot or constructing a house is only the beginning. Sustainable communities require roads, drainage, water, electricity, security, recreation, businesses, employment, and social infrastructure. His understanding of housing, combined with his emphasis on agriculture and local economic development, is clearly reflected in this broader vision.
The consultation with residents is equally commendable, providing transparency and accountability. Communities must not simply be recipients of development; they should be participants in determining what development means for them. The people know their drainage problems, security concerns, infrastructure deficiencies, and economic needs better than anyone else.
The importance of this initiative therefore extends beyond the first 23 villages. When successfully implemented, these communities can provide a model that can be adapted and expanded throughout Guyana.
That is why implementation will now be critical. Plans must become projects, consultations must produce measurable results, and communities must remain involved throughout the process.
President Ali deserves commendation for personally championing an initiative that seeks to connect Guyana’s national transformation with the everyday lives of its citizens.
Ultimately, billions in national development will mean little if prosperity does not reach our streets, homes, families and villages.
National prosperity must become community prosperity.
The Model Village Initiative provides Guyana with an important opportunity to make that principle visible, tangible and lasting.
Yours respectfully,
Jermaine Figueira
Former Member of
Parliament