THE Government of Guyana is pressing ahead with ambitious plans to upgrade and modernise two of Georgetown’s most iconic commercial hubs, the Stabroek Market area and Bourda Market, as part of a broader vision to enhance the capital’s economic, social, and cultural landscape.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Sonia Parag, outlined the developments during an appearance on the Starting Point podcast on Saturday, emphasising that markets are not just commercial spaces but vital social centres that unite communities.
“Markets integrate people; they bring people together,” Minister Parag said.

“They have that common place where they can go and get the things they need. It is a place where they meet, communicate and buy, empowering their fellow residents. It serves as a social and economic benefit for communities.”
The government’s plans for Stabroek Market — a landmark instantly recognisable by its iconic clock tower — are ambitious. Following visits by Minister Parag and President Dr Irfaan Ali, immediate action was taken to improve sanitation facilities, resulting in the completion of 30 modern washrooms for vendors and shoppers.
“Hopefully, the washrooms give relief to the vendors who are there and the consumers,” Parag noted. However, the roof, described as a “big problem,” remains a pressing concern.
The government’s plans feature a comprehensive, holistic design for the market area, developed in partnership with the King’s Foundation. This collaboration aims to preserve the market’s historic features while creating a cleaner, safer, and more organised environment.
“The King’s Foundation is going to play an integral role in ensuring that our historical sites are restored and that green spaces become part of the city,” Parag explained. “[This is about] promoting healthy lifestyles, providing safe spaces for families, and maintaining the city’s historical features.”
The King’s Foundation works globally to create sustainable communities through our placemaking projects and transform lives through our practical education programmes.
Bourda Market, one of Georgetown’s busiest and most historic trading spots, is set for a major transformation. Minister Parag disclosed that following an impromptu visit by President Ali, a commitment was made to rework the Bourda green area.
Consultations were promptly initiated with vendors, and the proposal is now incorporated into this year’s national budget.
The centerpiece of the plan is the construction of a modern two-storey building to accommodate vendors, offering improved facilities, more organised stalls, and better customer experiences.
“This year, we’ve budgeted for it,” Parag confirmed. According to her, consultations with vendors were deemed essential, and further discussions are scheduled within the next month to ensure their concerns and ideas are fully incorporated into the final design.
The minister stressed that robust engagement with stakeholders is essential for the project’s success.
The improvements to Stabroek and Bourda markets are part of a larger urban revitalisation plan inspired by the vision of President Ali and Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo.
The plan sees Georgetown not only as the country’s administrative and economic centre but also as a vibrant, family-friendly city where commerce, heritage, and green spaces co-exist harmoniously.
“What you see from the King’s Foundation is going to be fantastic,” Parag said. “Based on President Ali’s and the Vice President’s vision of what Georgetown should look like, they have come up with an idea that looks really great.”
Crucially, Parag assured that any redesign of Stabroek Market will not compromise its cultural and historical identity. “Everybody knows that when you go around that area, you identify it by the clock. It has become that sentimental, nostalgic part of Georgetown. We are going to transform the space, but we are not [going to erase] its historical features.”
The long-term goal is to ensure the area is consistently clean, well-structured, and able to function as both a commercial and cultural hub.
According to Parag, these enhancements will be phased in over the next five years, ensuring minimal disruption to current market operations while delivering lasting benefits and involving an investment of billions of dollars.
With ongoing consultations, strategic partnerships such as the collaboration with the King’s Foundation, and strong guidance from the country’s leadership, Minister Parag said the Stabroek and Bourda market upgrades are set to become flagship projects in Guyana’s urban development.