Residents of Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) are set to benefit from improved access to government services following the commissioning of a new Government of Guyana (GoG) Service Centre in Cotton Field.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony on Wednesday, Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Zulfikar Ally, described the facility as a major step forward in bringing government services closer to citizens. He explained that the centre eliminates the need for residents to travel long distances to Georgetown to conduct official business.

According to the Minister, the initiative forms part of the Government’s broader push to improve efficiency and accessibility, ensuring citizens can access multiple services in a single location. This, he noted, will reduce both the time and cost associated with accessing essential services.

“This Integrated Service Centre is about bringing government services closer to the people of Region Two and reducing the burden of travelling to Georgetown.” he said.

Ally emphasised that the project reflects the administration’s commitment to decentralising government operations and improving the quality of life for citizens across all regions.

The Minister also highlighted ongoing efforts to modernise public services through digital transformation, including the rollout of the Electronic Identification (E-ID) system. He explained that the new facility will support E-ID registration, enabling residents to access a wide range of services electronically.

In encouraging personal and professional development, Ally urged residents to take advantage of educational opportunities, particularly through the GOAL scholarship programme. He noted that thousands of Guyanese have already benefitted from the initiative, signalling increased participation in skills training and higher education.

Additionally, he pointed to the establishment of help desks within Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) to assist residents, along with the promotion of digital tools such as the Citizen Connect application, which allows users to report issues and access services free of charge.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Madanlall Ramraj, also addressed the gathering, noting that the Government continues to invest in infrastructure development across Region Two. He highlighted ongoing improvements to roads, drainage systems and other key areas, which he said complement the establishment of the new centre by improving accessibility.

Meanwhile, Director General at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, Sonia Latchman, said the region is experiencing steady progress and that the new facility will further support its development. She commended the Government’s efforts to decentralise services, noting that such initiatives are critical to national growth.