GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC—President Irfaan Ali has announced plans to modernize Georgetown and regain its place as the Garden City of the Caribbean.
The President said the plan is part of the extended Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030 and will be executed in collaboration with Britain’s King Charles Foundation.
Delivering remarks at a high-level discussion on Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy, the President said work has already started bringing the City back to its former glory.
“Some say Georgetown can be the next Dubai or Miami, but while we can certainly learn from these cities, we should be proud to craft our future. Guyana has always been centered around village life, and we must reconcile this heritage with the Georgetown we want to see—with cutting-edge infrastructure and technology and a City that is both cosmopolitan and reflective of our values,” the President noted.
In addition, the President said several key initiatives will begin soon, which will require collaboration between central and local government. On the modernization of the City, he said the central government will fund the work and lead its implementation but will ensure that the local government plays an active role.
“Today, our work continues to expand and as part of the LCDS 2030 vision, that is the renewal of the citizen, the renewal areas and development of growth polls and new areas, the beautification of our city and country—the expansion of the urban building, the drainage and irrigation aspect of our city and addressing flooding, all of that is part of the LCDS 2030 vision,” the President stated.
Over the next few months, technical work will begin to develop eight key elements for sustainable cities. These will include a vision for an urban development framework for greater Georgetown, a smart code for building design, and a continuation of a master plan for Silica City, among others. The President said these would guide the work to restore Georgetown.
“And today, we are very pleased that we have established this strong partnership with the King’s Foundation in the renewal of the city of Georgetown, and we are working on various projects to enhance the city of Georgetown and give it back that title as the garden city of the world,” the President said.
The still-being-determined City Council has been consulted about the plans, which is unclear. The Council has repeatedly complained about being left in the dark about significant projects within the City.
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