His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali underscored his Government’s vision to improve quality of life and expand local economic opportunity for residents of Enmore as consultations continued under the Model Villages Initiative on Thursday.

The President urged residents to act as custodians of the community’s legacy, noting: “We have been on the road for a number of days now, all day on the East Coast, for one purpose, and that is to advance development…to listen to people, for you to tell us your story, your challenges, how you see things, and what you see as a priority for your community.”

He stressed the importance of safe, well lit neighbourhoods, green recreational spaces, dignity for elders and stronger families.

“The transformation you see in the capital city and other urban centres must be the transformation you live every day in your life,” he said.

Enmore was described by the Head of State as an emerging industrial and manufacturing hub, supported by private sector investment, job creation and entrepreneurship. He said youth development must be driven by skills and enterprise, announcing that ministers would return to register young people with the Guyana Development Bank to access financing for businesses.

Plans were also outlined for an agro development area to support new enterprises.

“We want to set aside an agro development area in Enmore that we can help build businesses, that we can help build industry.”

He added that government aimed to secure Enmore’s long term prosperity through enterprise, employment and inclusive development.

Public consultations on the Model Villages Initiative continues in Region Five today and in Region Six on Saturday.

The programme began Monday, with thousands of Guyanese already sharing views and recommendations.