The government is accelerating its push to revitalise the capital city, forging new partnerships with businesses across Kingston and Tiger Bay while rolling out extensive beautification and drainage-upgrade initiatives as part of a broader national renewal effort.
The activities form a central pillar of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s Georgetown restoration plan—an ambitious programme aimed at returning the capital to its historic reputation as the Garden City.
Over the weekend, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, along with Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, met with entrepreneurs and business owners at the Umana Yana in Kingston. The engagement provided a platform for open dialogue between government officials and the business community.
Minister Manickchand stressed that the success of the restoration agenda depends heavily on strong collaboration among the government, private sector, and residents. She noted that clean, well-maintained public spaces, coupled with renewed civic pride, are essential for fostering business growth, cultural expression, and a healthier community environment.
“President Ali has a vision for the whole of Guyana, but a very specific, defined vision for Georgetown—and it’s one all of us should get on board with,” she stated, highlighting the goal of restoring Georgetown’s historic charm and character.
Business owners welcomed the opportunity to directly voice their concerns and ideas, while also indicating their willingness to form new partnerships to support the initiative. Discussions focused on sustainable community development, including enhanced waste management systems, ongoing beautification efforts, improved access to quality education, and long-term maintenance of upgraded spaces.
Minister Manickchand reiterated that the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration’s approach is rooted in inclusivity and shared responsibility.
“Transforming Georgetown requires all of us—government, citizens, and businesses—working together to build the kind of city Guyanese deserve,” she said.
Saturday’s consultation is part of the government’s wider plan to create a cleaner, greener, and more beautiful Guyana through collaborative action with key stakeholders across the capital. (DPI)
