— Jagdeo says move will support small businesses, improve zoning

THE government is moving ahead with plans to develop commercial and industrial zones across the country as part of efforts to modernise communities, create economic opportunities and address long-standing environmental concerns.
This was disclosed by Vice President and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, during a recent press conference.

He said the initiative aligns with President, Dr. Irfaan Ali’s wider vision of decentralised and structured development, particularly in rapidly expanding coastal villages and select hinterland areas.
“The President has been mentioning [this] a lot. He recently met with a group of people and he reiterated this point about the development of commercial areas, small commercial parks, for want of a better word, in communities right along the coast and maybe even the hinterland,” he said.

According to Dr Jagdeo, the plan responds to two key issues raised by residents: The growing number of businesses operating informally within residential areas and the lack of designated commercial hubs where entrepreneurs can thrive without disrupting community life.

As an example, he pointed to the area near the Hope Secondary School, which he said is earmarked for a new commercial zone.
“That whole area that you see the infrastructure in, when you go around the turn, would be developed into a commercial area where people can have salons and small shops,” he said.
The general secretary noted this move would foster economic activity and mitigate environmental impacts.

“This would also serve the additional benefit of removing these facilities from within the villages themselves,” the General Secretary affirmed.
He further detailed plans for industrial parks to accommodate various enterprises, ensuring zoning regulations are upheld to improve community living conditions.

“These are some of the ideas that we plan to put in place in the next term,” he said, underscoring the government’s commitment to decentralisation and sustainable development.