The Government on Monday launched a nationwide consultation process aimed at creating a new standard for how…

The Government on Monday launched a nationwide consultation process aimed at creating a new standard for how villages across Guyana should look and function, with the long-term goal of improving the quality of life for residents in communities throughout the country. The consultations, spearheaded by President Dr Irfaan Ali, mark the start of the government's Model Villages initiative, which will initially focus on 23 villages before being expanded nationwide. Leonora, on the West Coast Demerara, is one of the first communities identified under the initiative. Extensive planning is in an advanced state. The community improvement will cover about 360 acres. Among the improvements planned are upgrades to roads and drainage networks, additional green spaces, decorative landscaping, better alignment of utility poles, improved street lighting, and installation of additional fire hydrants and CCTV cameras. President Irfaan Ali, speaking at the Leonora Secondary School, outlined the overall goals of the progarmme.