ANNUAL reviews of each Regional Democratic (RDC) should be undertaken based on a 5-10 year plan of action. The formation of cross-regional partnerships to optimise resources that might be scarce, but potentially valuable to neighbouring regions especially those that are far-flung. The formation of sub-regional partnerships is also important – these can facilitate greater co-ordination and encourage more participation by residents in neighbourhoods, districts and towns.
The creation of centres of excellence in agriculture, technology, education and training, among others, is also absolutely necessary. Skills and enterprise zones in each region are also vital. Since each RDC has more than 10% skills deficiencies, developing specialist zones can be beneficial towards targeting relevant resources in areas where there is a huge demand for cottage industries. The establishment of regeneration agencies in each region is also a crucial boost to national development.
These agencies can be set up in Regions 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 for instance especially where the capacity for implementing short and medium-term local economic programmes is probably better. Think-tanks should also be created for the distillation of ideas on political, economic, social, cultural, environmental, technological and related issues. They will also allow space for experts and practitioners to pool their intellectual and technical resources with the main goal of revitalising local economies in Guyana.