AS Guyana’s urban centres continue to expand, the need for additional green spaces in major cities and communities is becoming increasingly critical. Currently, Guyana has four main urban parks: the National Park, the Botanical Gardens, and the Zoological Park in Region Four, and the Joe Vieira Park in Region Three.

These spaces serve as vital recreational sites for a wide cross-section of Guyanese, but there is a growing demand for more parks to meet the needs of the expanding population.
Highlighting efforts to create more green spaces, People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Councillor Steven Jacobs underscored the importance of these areas in enhancing the overall aesthetics of Georgetown and the country as a whole. He credited First Lady Arya Ali’s Urban Development Programme for spearheading initiatives to establish new play parks and green spaces across Guyana.

One of the standout projects under the First Lady’s National Beautification Project is the Kingston Seawall Esplanade, which has become a beloved destination for both locals and visitors. Jacobs emphasised that green spaces such as this contribute significantly to the attractiveness of Georgetown, adding, “There are quite a number of areas ripe for development.”

Councillor Jacobs also referenced President Irfaan Ali’s recent announcement of a partnership with the Kings Foundation, aimed at restoring Georgetown to its former glory as the “Garden City.” He expressed his hope for Georgetown to shed its reputation as the “garbage city” and instead become a vibrant, green urban space, particularly in areas where illegal dumping has tarnished the environment. “By creating beautiful gardens and lush, green spaces, we can beautify our environment and transform it into a true breath of fresh air,” Jacobs said.
He further stressed the importance of community involvement, encouraging citizens to take responsibility for maintaining these green spaces. “Simply taking care of personal gardens and community grounds can make a significant difference. A more beautiful Guyana benefits us all,” he stated.

Councillor Alfonso De Armas echoed these sentiments, highlighting the transformative power of integrating green spaces with cultural elements. He noted that this approach has greatly enhanced cities around the world, improving both their aesthetics and functionality. De Armas emphasised that the success of green-space initiatives depends on the collaboration of all stakeholders, including councillors from the opposition. “It is crucial that all stakeholders are on board to ensure the success of such initiatives,” he said.

Guyana has seen substantial infrastructural transformations in recent years, including the construction of major hotels, the development of new communities, and significant upgrades to roads and bridges that link key areas such as the East Bank and East Coast. In 2023, President Ali reaffirmed the

government’s commitment to creating more recreational parks, with plans to develop 15 to 20 parks across urban centres in Guyana.

This ambitious project is not only intended to enhance the scenic beauty of the nation’s roadways and urban and rural areas, but also aims to foster a more environmentally conscious society. As Guyana continues its rapid development, the integration of green spaces remains a key component of the country’s vision for a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing future.