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January 30, 2026
January 30, 2026
Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore has signalled his willingness to work with Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand, in light of recent tensions.
Speaking to Ignite News during an interview on Budget 2026, Mentore said he holds no personal grievances against the minister and believes cooperation between the City Council and Central Government is necessary to address Georgetown’s longstanding infrastructural challenges.
He said his priority remains service delivery and development for the people of the capital city.
“I don’t have any personal grievance with the minister. She has a platform and I have a platform, and my hope is that we could use those platforms to find workable solutions for the people of the city of Georgetown,” Mentore said.
Mentore welcomed the overall prudence of the 2026 budget presentation but expressed concern about the lack of clarity regarding the execution of projects budgeted for in 2025.
He said a clearer breakdown showing how much of last year’s allocations were completed would help ensure accountability and prevent duplication of spending.
“I would have liked to see a percentage position—75 percent, 80 percent, even 50 percent. So that when we project into 2026, we know exactly what was achieved and what is being added,” the mayor noted.
Citing allocations for local government, Mentore referenced a proposed $2 billion earmarked for market-related works in Georgetown, including Stabroek Market.
While hopeful that these funds will translate into tangible improvements, he said the city requires a more holistic, long-term approach to market redevelopment.
Based on feasibility studies conducted by the City Council, Mentore stressed that Stabroek Market, Bourda Market and Bazaar require significant capital investment to improve vendor facilities and reduce street vending.
He also highlighted financial constraints facing the municipality, noting that the city receives a $50 million subvention and continues to operate using property valuations last updated in 1987.
Despite these challenges, Mentore said he remains committed to working with Minister Manickchand and the government to advance development plans for Georgetown.
