Georgetown Mayor Alfred Mentore says the ongoing Thomas Street project should be viewed primarily as a Government of Guyana initiative, despite the involvement of the United Kingdom-based King’s Foundation.

Mentore made the remarks when contacted by Kiskadee Watch following a recent visit to the Thomas Street Avenue by Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand and representatives of the King’s Foundation.

The visit on September 30 focused on ongoing works along Thomas Street, between Lamaha Street and Church Street, which the Ministry has described as the first project being undertaken under President Irfaan Ali’s Healthy Streets Initiative.

The King’s Foundation, a charity founded by King Charles III when he was the Prince of Wales, has been working with the Government of Guyana on urban development initiatives in Georgetown.

However, Mentore said that while President Ali has framed the initiative in connection with the King’s Foundation, he believes the project is ultimately being driven by the Guyana government.

“I believe this exercise, while President Irfaan Ali and the Ministry of Local Government has framed it like a King’s Foundation project, it is clearly a Government of Guyana initiative,” Mentore told Kiskadee Watch.

Implemented

The Mayor said he was uncertain whether the King’s Foundation had provided any financial contribution toward the works, but maintained that the project was being implemented by the Government.

“I don’t know if any contribution from the King’s Foundation would have been given, but this is clearly, being Government of Guyana, implemented,” he said.

Mentore also said he was unsure whether the project was being funded by the King’s Foundation, adding that discussions had taken place between the  Mayor and City Council and representatives of the Foundation.

The comments come against the backdrop of growing questions over the role of central government in projects traditionally associated with the Mayor and City Council.

The Ministry of Local Government said the Thomas Street project forms part of wider efforts to improve Georgetown’s public spaces through healthier, greener, safer and more functional urban design.

The King’s Foundation has also outlined a broader Georgetown Urban Framework Plan, developed in collaboration with national and local stakeholders, which proposes a long-term vision for the capital addressing issues including drainage and flood resilience, transport and mobility, urban expansion and the protection of historic buildings.

The Foundation has said the partnership with the Government of Guyana is also advancing seven demonstration projects, including plans for a sustainable demonstration town, regeneration of the Transport and Harbours Building, improvements to Stabroek Market and its surrounding district, and regeneration of the Water Street riverfront corridor.

The Mayor’s position also comes at a time when major Georgetown roads have been placed under the control of the Ministry of Public Works, further fuelling debate over the division of responsibilities between central and local government.