AFTER decades of neglect, Section ‘B’ Non Pareil Village on the East Coast of Demerara is undergoing a significant transformation, thanks to an aggressive community enhancement drive spearheaded by the current administration through the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)-led Local Authority.

Bordered by Coldingen and Melanie Damishana, the village—part of the Buxton/Foulis Local Authority Area—has benefitted from a series of infrastructure and beautification projects since the 2023 Local Government Elections, when PPP/C candidate Rupan Persaud was elected as the representative for Constituency #3.

Speaking with the Guyana Chronicle, Councillor Persaud said all four internal streets and three main cross streets in the village have been upgraded to asphalt standard, replacing roads that were previously in deplorable condition. Road shoulders were also cleared and paved in anticipation of further development projects.
The once-abandoned community centre has been completely renovated. The structure, previously reduced to crumbling outer walls, now boasts modern fixtures and serves as the hub for village meetings and recreational events.

The surrounding grounds were fenced, graded, and filled to accommodate a football field and cricket pitch in the near future.
The area to the community centre building was once inaccessible now accommodates all community-based meetings, events such as Easter kite flying and distribution and fun day is held.
The Section ‘B’ Non Pariel village annual Christmas party for the elderly in the community takes place at the community centre and each pensioner is gifted a food hamper compliments of the current administration.
Every year, a toy drive is also held at the Section ‘B’ Non Pariel Community Centre for the children in the village where they are also feted to beverages, goodies bag and snacks.

Persaud added that the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sports has since donated a tractor/trailer and a brush cutter to maintain the grounds of the community centre.
The renovation of the community centre building and the installation of lights inside the building and on the grounds were done via the PPP/C following several on-site

visits and meetings with Minister Charles Ramson, who heads the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport.
Over 100 electric and 23 solar street lights have been installed throughout the village, providing residents with improved nighttime safety.
While some fixtures have stopped functioning, Persaud assured replacements are underway. Speed bumps and freshly painted road markings were also added to regulate traffic.

Major drainage works were completed for the first time in years. All alleyways and street drains were cleared—just in time for the rainy season—under a project executed by the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, with contracts awarded to villagers to ensure community economic benefit.

Looking ahead, Persaud said plans are in motion to install concrete drains across the village to mitigate flooding and enhance long-term water management.
Decorative trees, branded street signs, and a play park are also part of the vision to modernise the village and elevate its aesthetic appeal.
He added that street signs were donated by a businessman who is also a resident of the village and they are very grateful for such partnerships to continue community-based projects.

Persaud reported that enhancing the village remains a top priority for him and he is utilising every opportunity to get things done as they should but it also takes time for projects to happen.

He pointed out that there are other plans for the village and discussions are ongoing to have the entire village have concrete drains constructed to reduce flooding and other drainage issues in the future.

He credited the transformation to the unwavering support of the government and the active involvement of the Section ‘B’ Non Pariel PPP/C group, comprising nine executive members and over 80 volunteers.
Residents, too, have welcomed the changes, expressing gratitude for the long-overdue improvements after years of stagnation.

According to Persaud, the development journey has only just begun, and continued investment and collaboration will push Section ‘B’ Non Pariel even closer to the modern village image he envisions.