WHEN President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali declared, on Tuesday, that the state of Georgetown could “no longer be tolerated,” it was not just a political soundbite, it was an overdue acknowledgment of decades of neglect, mismanagement, and inefficiency that have scarred the capital city.
His unveiling of the Rescue Georgetown plan signals not merely another round of projects, but an attempt to redefine what it means for Georgetown to be a capital city worthy of its people and its history.

For too long, Georgetown, once celebrated as the “Garden City of the Caribbean,” has been reduced to a shadow of its potential.
Overflowing drains, dilapidated markets, and crumbling heritage sites have undermined the city’s image, even as Guyana emerges as one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
This paradox is unsustainable. As President Ali rightly pointed out, national transformation cannot be complete if its capital remains in disrepair.
The revival plan is ambitious. Backed by the Kings Foundation, it seeks to weave together infrastructure upgrades, heritage preservation, biodiversity integration, and cultural renewal.
From the rehabilitation of the historic Transport and Harbours building into a museum and training hub, to the transformation of the Stabroek waterfront, the vision reflects a city that embraces both its past and its future.

Billions have already been invested in roads, drainage, and flood prevention systems, but the new phase is about aesthetics, identity, and livability.
There is also a refreshing recognition that Georgetown’s rescue is not just about bricks and mortar.

Behavioural change and public education form part of the strategy, reminding citizens that a city is not maintained by government alone, but by the collective care of its people. The President’s emphasis on education and cultural appreciation acknowledges that true revival requires both policy and pride.

Still, no plan will succeed without co-operation. The private sector’s growing investments in hotels, office complexes, and commercial centres must align with sustainable urban planning.
The City Council, despite its troubled record, must become a partner rather than a stumbling block. Civil society and residents must see themselves as stakeholders, not bystanders.
Critics will no doubt question whether Georgetown can truly be transformed, given years of failed promises and political gridlock. Skepticism is warranted, but so is cautious optimism.
Unlike past piecemeal projects, the Rescue Georgetown plan situates the city’s revival within a broader framework of national development, climate resilience, and low-carbon growth.
When followed through with transparency and accountability, it will be the first real step toward reclaiming Georgetown’s lost glory.
President Ali’s words are bold: To make Georgetown “one of the finest capital cities in the world.”
The challenge now lies in execution. It will take sustained investment, political will, and the active participation of every citizen to breathe life back into the Garden City. Georgetown’s rescue is not only about urban renewal, it is about restoring national pride.