Private sector backs Govt city enhancement & digitalisation plans

…says initiatives will create an investor-friendly environment

The local private sector has thrown its support behind the Guyana Government’s plans for the advancement of digitalisation in the country and the renewed enhancement of the capital city under Project Rescue Georgetown.
At a press conference earlier this week, President Dr Irfaan Ali outlined plans to push efficiency and modernisation in Guyana through the introduction of electronic identification cards (e-ID), online applications for passports and the renewed enhancement of Georgetown – initiatives that have been welcomed by the local private sector.
In a statement on Friday, the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) said that as a business support organisation, it has long advocated for the advancement of digitalisation in Guyana and is therefore pleased that e-IDs will be implemented by the end of this month.
This initiative, the Chamber noted, can also support transparency during electoral seasons, as it provides a platform for the identification of voters through biometrics and for the authentication of ID cards.
According to the GCCI, “The decentralisation of the passport application process and introduction of an online process will provide a time-saving and convenient procedure for citizens, while increasing accessibility of services.”
Moreover, the Chamber also extends its support for the Government’s drive to enhance the capital city, which it said will, among other things, lend to a more investor-friendly environment as Guyana’s business landscape continues to evolve.
The GCCI says the initial plans for keen focus on sustainable urban development, heritage preservation, biodiversity, citizen engagement, upgraded drainage networks, architectural restoration, waste management and city upkeep are crucial factors in the creation of an attractive investment and tourism destination.
To this end, the Chamber said it readily supports the efforts of the Government to improve the standard of living, access to services and quality of life for the people of Guyana.
Project Rescue Georgetown
Similar sentiments were expressed by the Private Sector Commission (PSC), which says that President Ali’s bold and visionary launch of Project Rescue Georgetown is a critical intervention to restore dignity to the capital city and position Georgetown as a modern, vibrant, and sustainable hub for business, culture, and national pride.
“As businesses, we know that Georgetown is the first place most investors will see in Guyana, and we only have one chance to make a good first impression. That means putting every effort into ensuring our capital is clean, safe, and modern, sending the right message to investors and visitors alike,” the PSC stated in a separate missive on Friday.
According to the umbrella private sector body, Georgetown, once hailed as the Garden City of the Caribbean, has suffered from neglect and chronic mismanagement for decades. It noted that years of partisan obstruction and administrative failures have left behind clogged drains, garbage-strewn streets, deteriorating roads, dilapidated markets, and neglected public spaces.
These conditions, the Commission added, have not only undermined the quality of life for citizens but have also constrained investment, trade, and the ease of doing business. Against this backdrop, the PSC welcomed Project Rescue Georgetown as a timely and necessary response.
It went on to note that the intended focus on improving waste management, rehabilitating canals and drainage systems, upgrading markets, modernising infrastructure, and restoring parks, boulevards, and heritage landmarks will significantly enhance the city’s functionality and attractiveness.
Specifically supporting the organisation of vending zones and improved urban order to create a safer and more efficient environment for commerce, the Commission also stressed the importance of a clean, orderly, and well-managed capital for private sector growth, investor confidence, tourism development, and the creation of sustainable jobs.
“These efforts will directly benefit the business community by strengthening confidence, boosting competitiveness, and creating jobs. Simple but powerful changes, like taking out the trash, creating safer work environments, and giving our people a beautiful city to live in, will lift morale, sharpen focus, and increase productivity,” the PSC stressed.

Collective responsibility
The private sector body further outlined that this “Rescue Georgetown” by President Ali builds on his Government’s consistent commitment to national transformation that has already seen new roads, bridges, housing, hospitals, schools, and modern public infrastructure being developed across Guyana. It added that extending this transformation to the capital ensures that Georgetown can truly match the pace of national growth and development.
On this note, the PSC calls on every citizen, business and stakeholder to lend full support to this initiative. It underscored that “reclaiming Georgetown’s past glory requires collective responsibility and working together to create a capital city that reflects the aspirations of a modern Guyana. The Private Sector Commission pledges its partnership in this endeavour and stands ready to collaborate with the Government and all stakeholders to ensure the success of Project Rescue Georgetown.”
At a press conference on Tuesday, President Ali outlined plans to transform Georgetown into a sustainable, modern capital while preserving its unique heritage and identity. The plan includes flagship projects such as the Stabroek Waterfront Development, recreational spaces and heritage restoration, urban green enhancement, and sustainable growth clusters.