‘City Week’ launched- celebrates 175 years of Georgetown becoming a city

DPI, Guyana, Sunday, July 29, 2018

On Friday evening the Stabroek Market Square was abuzz as the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) officially announced its City Week celebrations that form part of the 175^th Anniversary observance for Georgetown. It is slated to commence on August 19 and conclude on August 25.

The celebrations will be operated on $19Million budget to cover the expenses of the activities planned. This budget will be funded solely by donations and sponsorships.

The objectives of City Week includes fostering a closer relationship among employees through sports, cultural, and other forms of social entertainment; to provide an opportunity for the business community to showcase locally produced item; for the Council to form alliances with other critical stakeholders and to improve the Council’s corporate image.

Some of the activities scheduled include ticket events such as a Mayor’s dinner and cocktail which is expected to bring in money to the council. The Ministry of Social Cohesion under whose purview culture falls will be hosting a cultural extravaganza. Municipal games are also planned along with a ‘Seniors’ Treat’ and health fair.

Most of the activities are slated to be held at the Stabroek Market Square followed by a big celebration on Main Street on the final day of activities.

Addressing those gathered at the launch, Mayor of Georgetown Patricia Chase-Greene noted that Georgetown is a beautiful city but not without its challenges. Mayor Chase-Greene called on citizens to play their role in the maintenance of the city.

“We are asking everyone to join with us and to assist us in keeping this city clean, it is your city, it is my city, it is our city! We love to be in it, we love to have you in it so I ask of you, as we launch our anniversary celebrations in August to join with us in every single possible way to maintain and help us to keep Georgetown clean” she stated.

The Mayor extend an invitation to all citizen of Guyana to join in the anniversary celebrations

Georgetown gained official city status on 24 August 1842 during the reign of Queen Victoria. At the time of independence on May 26, 1966, Georgetown was 6.5 square kilometres. On April 29, 1970, the boundaries of the city were extended, thus enlarging the city to 40 square kilometres.

Story and Image: Isaiah Braithwaite