Proper urban management needed during Guyana’s rapid...

need for visionary and transformational leadership is critical at this point. This urban transformation that we are all enthusiastic about does not happen independently, it requires visionary and transformational leadership,” he said.

“…That is what the government under my leadership as president, is all about… That is what the governments of many of our Caribbean countries are pursuing…A new vision, a bold initiative and transformational thinking,” Ali added.

He said his government’s comprehensive national housing strategy seeks to effectively address issues of housing provision and informal urban settlement, inclusive of a policy position of zero tolerance for informal settlements in a vulnerable urban areas.

Ali said his government’s vision for urban transformation in Guyana includes a modernised city with a vibrant waterfront, transformation of depressed rural areas into new urban growth centres, development of hinterland urban centres and improved infrastructure in newly emerging urban settlement roads.

He also emphasised his government’s commitment to developing suitable urban development policies, which will influence key considerations when undertaking planning and expansion to foster better urban resilience in an era of rapid change and transformation of urban areas.

Ali applauded the organisers of CUF 2021 for their presentation of a ‘comprehensive’ agenda that includes consideration for sustainable organisation.

“This is a development consideration, I deem relevant to all Caribbean countries grappling with the combined need to facilitate new forms of urban development and at the same time combating major challenges such as climate change,” he said.

Meanwhile, during her remarks, UG Vice Chancellor Professor Paloma Mohamed-Martin described the theme of the forum as “timely” and “apt”.

“It comes at a time when the world and most especially the Caribbean is likely to continue to face a period of continuous hyper disruptions for years to come,” she said.

The co-hosts of the CUF includes the Caribbean Network for Urban and Land Management (CNULM), based at the University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago; the Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA); the Guyana Planning Association; and other national,