M&CC proposes partnership with Central Govt, private sector to transform Promenade Gardens

The Mayor and Councillors of the City of Georgetown (M&CC) are seeking to collaborate with the Central Government and private sector stakeholders to revitalise the Promenade Gardens and transform it into a historic site that honours the nation’s leaders and legacy.
Transformation envisioned includes creating historical exhibits, memorials dedicated to national leaders, and public amenities that invite citizens and visitors to engage with Guyana’s rich history.
At this week’s statutory meeting of the M&CC, held at the Kitty Market, Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore emphasised the importance of creating a space that not only preserves the cultural and historical significance of the Gardens, but also celebrates the contributions of past and present national presidents.
“I had some kind of conversation with the President, who spoke to me on Promenade Gardens. I told him…we should look at that and he should put some money into that as well, so that we could have a garden that recognizes all the presidents and so on and so forth”, Mentore disclosed.
“The place itself could be like a grand place for people to go walk. A museum of the arts and culture and so on and so forth. And then you could also have other events. You could have a parking in there, a whole host of things,” the mayor disclosed.
Located in the heart of Georgetown, the Promenade Gardens are one of Guyana’s most cherished landmarks. Established in 1851, the Gardens were originally part of a parade ground for British colonial troops. Over time, the space was transformed into a public park offering a tranquil retreat for residents and visitors alike.
Known for its lush greenery and vibrant flora, the Gardens feature meticulously maintained pathways, ornamental trees, and a variety of tropical plants, making it a haven of biodiversity.
It also houses historical monuments and landmarks, including the iconic bandstand and the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, symbolizing peace and resilience.
According to Mayor Mentore, the garden’s rich legacy is intertwined with the growth of Georgetown and the nation itself, making it an ideal site for a project that celebrates Guyana’s leaders and preserves its heritage for future generations.
On this point, he disclosed that the proposal calls for a comprehensive approach to redevelopment, and highlighted that the need is for a cohesive vision that is impactful.
“I think we should look at it. Take into consideration what we did before concerning that spot, and then see how we could work with private sector people as well as His Excellency and others on this issue, and see what money from his budget that he could put into that so that we could have something in place,” Mentore articulated.