The A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) has unveiled plans in its Elections 2025 Manifesto to increase subventions to municipalities and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), all in a bid to raise the quality of life for Guyanese.
“We must ensure that communities (villages and towns) are spaces that are safe and peaceful, clean and healthy, physically appealing, hospitable, socially vibrant and cohesive. We in the APNU Coalition government will leave none of this to chance. In consultations with residents, we will develop development plans for all communities on the coast land and in the hinterland,” the party said.
In its “Rural and Hinterland Community Enhancement Plan”, the party proposes to support each NDC and village council to design Village Enhancement Plans, strengthen local governance through larger and guaranteed government subventions to municipalities, NDCs and village councils.
It also promises to provide regular training of council staff, higher remuneration for councillors and staff to attract skills, wider public involvement in local decision‐making and enact legislation to make the formation of community groups easier.
The manifesto also entails the promise to create a grants program to support grass-root‐ organized initiatives and activities for community development and the constructing of multi‐purpose recreational facilities.
“These facilities will be larger in size and scope than the traditional community centres. They will be used to promote sports in schools; as sites for large community activities, such as fairs, celebrations, and open‐air concerts; as a space where residents can recreate, exercise, play, and socialize; and as spaces to foster community social cohesion,” the manifesto noted.
The party also said that it is committed to facilitating he lawful acquisition of abandoned and derelict properties and work with councils to convert them into useful spaces in line with community needs.
It also promises to create, fund, and train Land Maintenance and Enhancement work crews in NDCs and villages.
“These crews will be permanently employed and be responsible for light infrastructure works, clean‐ups, sanitation, landscaping and beautification, and environmental protection.”
The party also unveiled plans to resuscitate and expand the Rural Agricultural Infrastructure Development programme (RAID) and to reconvene yearly the Conference of Local Democratic Organs (NCLDO).
