M&CC endorses Govt’s push to transform Tiger Bay

The Georgetown Mayor and City Council (GM&CC) has thrown its support behind the Government’s plan to transform Tiger Bay into a model neighbourhood, affirming that the municipality is “fully cooperating” with all aspects of the ongoing clean-up and revitalisation works. Director of Solid Waste Management, Walter Narine, confirmed that the M&CC has been actively engaged in the multi-agency effort that began over the weekend, following President Dr Irfaan Ali’s visit to the community on Sunday. On Sunday, the Guyanese leader outlined a transformative urban renewal programme that will include the construction of a futsal and basketball facility, the renovation of two historic buildings, expanded social services for children and mothers, and new mechanisms to help households upgrade their living conditions. The initiative is part of the One Guyana “Neighbourhood Love” Programme, which aims to rebuild communities through shared responsibility and sustained investment. Narine explained that work commenced on Saturday morning across the alleyways and park beds, with various Government agencies assigned to different components of the project.

He emphasised that the council’s role includes providing trucks for debris removal, deploying weeders, and supporting any other tasks necessary to ensure the success of the cleanup. “The Mayor and City Council is fully cooperating with every aspect, every facet of the work,” he said. “We all want to see Georgetown in its glory, and this is something we are fully, fully interested in.”
Narine, who serves on the project’s task force, assured residents that the effort is not intended to be a temporary or cosmetic exercise. Instead, it forms part of a broader, sustainable development plan for Tiger Bay and surrounding communities.
He noted that President Ali, during his live broadcast on Sunday, outlined a vision that includes creating organised spaces for small businesses to operate without displacement. Under this plan, mechanics, shoemakers, vendors and other tradespeople would be relocated into secure, structured zones where they can expand their businesses.

“This is not going to be a one-off initiative,” he stressed. “It’s a sustainable effort to ensure that the entire Kingston block, the Water Street and Cummingsburg block, and the waterfront area are fully enhanced – not only in terms of aesthetics but also in terms of the livelihoods of the people who live there.”
The transformation of Tiger Bay is expected to serve as a model for future urban renewal projects across Georgetown.
In support of the “model neighbourhood” programme, the Georgetown Mayor & City Council has agreed to hand over two historic properties for rehabilitation. According to the President, the buildings will be restored while preserving their architectural value, and will house a new technical and vocational training centre. School of the Nations has already signalled its commitment to partner with Government to help design and deliver programmes.
The training hub will form part of a broader community development model that includes life-skills training, small-business development and youth engagement.
Highlighting that the Tiger Bay–Kingston district will be central to a new, walking cultural and tourism corridor stretching from the seawall down to Avenue of the Republic, continuing to South Road and looping into the Botanical Gardens, President Ali noted that the transformation includes urban greening, with spaces being opened for the planting of mango, orange, tangerine, cherry, star fruit and other fruit trees. “Our children in Georgetown must enjoy fruit right from the streets,” President Ali said. He said that with the infrastructure and community support being put in place, stronger city leadership and management are required.