King Charles III sees mangroves shielding Georgetown’s coast
-ends visit on Kingston Seawall
His Majesty King Charles III wrapped up his two-day state visit to Guyana on Friday afternoon at the Kingston Seawall, where he was briefed on the national mangrove restoration programme aimed at protecting Georgetown’s coastline.
Accompanied by First Lady Arya Ali, First Son Zayd Ali, and Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha, the King toured the Kingston Seawall Esplanade before greeting Georgetown residents at the bandstand.
This was his final engagement before departing for Antigua and Barbuda.
“I explained how these natural barriers help reduce coastal erosion and flooding, protect agricultural lands, support fisheries, and create sustainable economic opportunities for communities,” Minister Mustapha said in a statement.
He noted that Guyana’s mangrove restoration programme demonstrates the government’s commitment to environmental protection, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
At the seawall, the King also met participants in the Wilton Park Commonwealth Sustainable Cities Initiative Dialogue, which is examining practical steps towards sustainable urban development ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).
The British monarch arrived in Guyana on Thursday, where he was received by President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hugh Todd, Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh and heads of the disciplined forces at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA).
He later held an audience with President Ali at State House before a state reception in the State House gardens that brought together representatives of communities across Guyana to mark 60 years of Guyana–United Kingdom relations. There, the King sampled ‘Royal Welcome,’ a rum crafted in his honour.
On Friday morning, the King, Patron of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, joined veterans and citizens at the Georgetown (Rabbit Walk) Memorial to honour Guyanese, British and Commonwealth service personnel who died in service.
There, he was accompanied by Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and heads of the disciplined services.
The King also visited the historic Promenade Gardens where he was immersed in the rich cultural expressions and artistic traditions that make Guyana unique.
The tour was facilitated by Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Priya Manickchand; Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs; and Minister within the Ministry of Housing, Vanessa Benn.
He then attended the Second Global Biodiversity Alliance (GBA) Conference and Financing Forum at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC), alongside President Ali and Vice-President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo.
The King toured exhibition booths, including those of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Protected Areas Commission (PAC), Iwokrama International Centre, South Rupununi Conservation Society, and North Rupununi Women’s Group.
He praised Guyana for keeping a large share of its forests intact and congratulated President Ali on establishing the GBA.
President Ali noted that Guyana and the King will build on nearly two decades of partnership on forest conservation, with joint work now underway on the revitalisation of Georgetown and a Harmony Village at Moraikobai, Region Five, through The King’s Foundation.
At the Umana Yana, the King met members of the National Toshaos Council, led by Chairman Toshao Derrick John. He also toured an indigenous arts and crafts exhibition.
He later joined President Ali at a reception with British businesses and local stakeholders on trade and investment partnerships.
The visit was the King’s first to Guyana as monarch, and his first since February 2000 when, as Prince of Wales, he became Patron of the Iwokrama International Centre. He has backed Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy since its launch in 2009.
The King now heads to St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, where he will join Queen Camilla for CHOGM 2026 from November 1 to 4.
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