President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali outlined the next phase of the government’s development agenda during Wednesday’s Cabinet outreach to Region 10, saying the focus is now on expanding economic opportunities for residents, particularly young people and women, through agriculture, agro‑processing, tourism and small‑business development.
He added that the government wants to work with clusters of persons to build projects, increase productivity, enhance livelihood and enhance income, quoting “We want to work with clusters of persons so that we can build projects, we can increase productivity, we can enhance livelihood, and we can enhance income”. He also said the only way to grow is by building the productive capacity of the community, stating “The only way we can grow is if we build the productive capacity of the community. If we invest in the productive capacity”.
The president outlined plans to bring groups together to access opportunities through the Guyana Development Bank and other government programmes. Among the initiatives identified for Linden are the development of business districts on both sides of the river and the establishment of an agro‑investment park equipped with modern technology, irrigation and extension services. He encouraged young people to become involved in tunnel‑house farming, swine production, agro‑processing and honey production.
President Ali pointed to major infrastructure projects that include road improvements, the Linden‑Susdyke Highway, the Lethem corridor and greater connectivity with the hinterland and Northern Brazil. He said “If you believe you have seen transformation in Linden, you have not really seen the massive transformation that still lies ahead”.
The government is targeting completion of the Victory Valley community centre within nine months. He concluded by saying “We are interested in the next phase of development, advancement, empowerment, and transformation for the people of Linden and the people here in Victory Valley”.
