MINISTER within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Susan Rodrigues, recently presented Guyana’s ambitious plans for the construction of Silica City—​the nation’s first fully sustainable and technologically advanced urban centre—​at the Berkeley Innovation Forum.
Accompanying her were Ms. Germene Stewart, Chief Development Planner at the Central Housing & Planning Authority (CH&PA), and Mr. Jose A. Gelabert-Navia, lead architect from the University of Miami.​

Silica City is envisioned as a model for sustainable urban development, integrating cutting-edge technology with environmentally friendly practices to create a livable and resilient community. The project’s presentation at such a prestigious forum underscores Guyana’s commitment to innovative solutions in urban planning and development.​

In addition to the presentation, Minister Rodrigues participated in a panel discussion titled “Challenges in Implementing Leapfrog Technologies and Disruptive Solutions.” The session was moderated by the United States Ambassador to Guyana, Ms. Nicole Theriot, and delved into the complexities and opportunities associated with adopting advanced technologies in developing regions.​