Beyond G/town, billions approved to upgrade regional markets across Guyana 

While much public attention has been focused on the multi-billion-dollar Georgetown Enhancement Programme, Thursday’s consideration of the 2026 Budget Estimates revealed that major investments are also being directed beyond the capital, with millions of dollars approved to upgrade and complete regional markets across Guyana.

The disclosures were made as Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand, responded to a series of questions from Opposition MP Ganesh Mahipaul, who sought clarity on the status of market projects that began in 2025 and are now being rolled over into 2026.

Mahipaul listed several markets across the country which had allocations approved last year, and questioned how much funding in the current $18.5 billion budget line would go toward completing those projects.

In response, Minister Manickchand outlined the rollover sums for 2026, confirming that the following amounts were approved for completion of works this year:

• Port Kaituma Market – $38.383 million
• Bath Market – $92.5 million
• Rosignol Railway Line Market – $29 million
• Unity Market – $1 million
• Rose Hall Market – $25.6 million
• Port Mourant Market – $2.3 million
• No. 79 Village Market – $50.2 million
• Lethem Municipal Market – $42.9 million

The Minister stated that these allocations are intended to complete the initial scope of works planned for each market.

Minister Manickchand emphasized that markets are more than buildings, describing them as central spaces in community life.

“Markets are this hub of economic activity for the people who vend there. It’s a place of communion for communities… it’s part of our culture,” she said.

However, she also noted that while the rollover sums would complete the original project plans, the government’s expectations for markets are evolving.

Another standout allocation disclosed during the exchange was the Palmyra Culture Market, located in Region Six.

Minister Manickchand confirmed that the rollover allocation for the project is $404.8 million