GEORGETOWN, Guyana — President Irfaan Ali has proposed the creation of a “One Guyana Strip” within the new ANSA McAL mall development on the East Coast of Demerara, calling for the project to celebrate local culture, support small businesses and integrate the community into the commercial space.
Ali said the external layout of the mall could be redesigned to optimize space while incorporating national symbols like the historic sugar estate chimney — a landmark of endurance and strength — and showcase Guyanese products and culture.
“You could easily create a ‘One Guyana’ strip that celebrates the endurance of the chimney, the strength of the chimney, and its beacon nature,” Ali said. “In that strip, we work with the Guyana Marketing Corporation and the small businesses we are developing to have a paid but supportive presence as part of your social responsibility.”
He said the feature would align the mall with the government’s policy direction of empowering local entrepreneurs, particularly women-led and community-based businesses. “This would speak to national policy and support small businesses,” he said. “It will be something different and meaningful.”
Ali also suggested incorporating cultural experiences into the mall design, noting that modern malls in developed countries include local food, art, fashion and indigenous products as part of the visitor experience.
“A modern-day mall is not just shopping — it is an experience,” he said. “Malls must celebrate the culture of society. You are selling an experience.”
To further integrate the surrounding community, Ali proposed including recreational and sports spaces within the development. He said the government is willing to partner on amenities such as volleyball courts, basketball courts and FIFA mini-pitches to promote youth engagement and social cohesion.
“Imagine in your green landscaping if we can integrate the community by having these facilities,” he said. “Then your community becomes a part of your development. The life that will come with your development is completely different.”
Ali noted that ANSA McAL has a strong local team and a history of responsiveness, and urged the company to lead in social responsibility as it expands its footprint in Guyana.
“Management understands the importance of social responsibility in a commercial venture,” he said. “You will definitely work in partnership with us.”
He formally assigned the Guyana Manufacturing and Services Association (GMSA) representative, Cathy Hughes, to champion the proposal. “Cathy, may I assign you the task of championing this idea?” Ali said.