Tiger Bay to become Georgetown’s first ‘model neighbourhood’

The community of Tiger Bay is set to become Georgetown’s first “model neighbourhood” under a major redevelopment initiative announced on Sunday during a walkabout through Kingston, Tiger Bay and Carmichael Street.

President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who engaged residents, teachers, youth, business owners and community groups, said the area was selected because it reflects “much of Guyana’s social reality.”

“You have the Prime Minister’s residence, the people’s residence, all the big businesses, and then we have some of the greatest social issues within the same community. And that is what we have to fix as a community,” the president said.

The plan includes planting fruit trees along Main Street, Carmichael Street and other open spaces. Ali listed mango, orange, tangerine and jamoon trees, noting they would be accessible to anyone. When a resident jokingly suggested strawberries, Ali laughed and replied, “Maybe not strawberries.”

The Office of the First Lady will support the Ministries of Local Government and Regional Development and Housing in urban beautification efforts.

Ali said the initiative forms part of the national Rescue Georgetown Plan, which targets improvements to drainage, roads and broader infrastructure. Community consultations are underway, including Sunday’s engagement at the One Guyana Kitchen.

“It’s …more than the beautification, more than the cleanup. We are launching as part of the One Guyana programme, a neighbourhood love programme where the entire neighbourhood work together as one unit,” he stressed.

Planned upgrades include renovations to buildings such as Guyana Stores Ltd and new safe spaces for residents. The government intends to support the development of craft shops, small business centres, restaurants and services, creating jobs and income opportunities.

“We have to remove the big stigma from the area,” Ali said, adding, “we are going to remove it as a neighbourhood. – as a neighbourhood of love.”

The government also plans to convert the corridor from the seawall through Avenue of the Republic, extending to South Road and into the Botanical Gardens, into a secure and scenic walking space. Ali said the zone will evolve into a cultural and tourism hub, supported by closer cooperation between the community and police.

Local Government Minister Priya Manickchand and other officials will return for further consultations to finalise development plans. Ali said the solutions developed in Tiger Bay will guide similar efforts across Georgetown and the wider country.

Ending the visit, Ali invited residents to “break bread”, joining them in meal preparation as a symbol of unity and shared purpose.

Manickchand, Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning Keoma Griffith, Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport Steven Jacobs, Minister of Housing Collin Croal and technical officials also attended. Residents were encouraged to raise concerns directly with government teams. (DPI)

The president helped in preparing the meal