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 members of the public at the bandstand.
Minister Mustapha said he shared with His Majesty how Guyana’s mangrove restoration efforts are helping to protect our coastline from the powerful forces of the Atlantic Ocean, while safeguarding coastal communities and supporting the livelihoods of our people.
“I explained how these natural barriers help reduce coastal erosion and flooding, protect agricultural lands, support fisheries, and create sustainable economic opportunities for communities,” Mustapha stated.
Guyana’s mangrove restoration programme aligns with the Government’s commitment to environmental protection, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
According to the Agriculture Minister, “Our mangroves are not simply trees along our shores; they are a vital line of defence against the ocean, a source of livelihood for our people, and a lasting investment in the future of our nation.”
At the seawall, King Charles 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).
Meanwhile, earlier on Friday afternoon, King Charles immersed himself in Guyana’s indigenous heritage during a visit to the Umana Yana in Georgetown, where he met with leaders of the National Toshaos Council (NTC).
The British monarch was greeted by NTC Chairman Derrick John and Vice Chair and Member of Parliament Sonia Latchman.
In a gesture celebrating Guyana’s rich cultural identity, The King was presented with a traditional indigenous necklace, symbolising the country’s ancestral heritage and the traditions of its first peoples.
His Majesty also interacted with indigenous leaders, showing an interest in their cultural practices and traditions. He was further introduced to traditional craftsmanship through a hands-on experience examining a traditional bow.
Discussions with the indigenous representatives also centred on environmental stewardship, the preservation of Guyana’s natural environment and the protection of its cultural heritage.
The British Monarch arrived in Guyana on Thursday afternoon upon an invitation from President Dr Irfaan Ali as part of celebrations to mark 60 years of bilateral relations between Guyana and the United Kingdom.
The King last visited Guyana in February 2000 as Prince of Wales.
King Charles departed Guyana on Friday evening and was accompanied by Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, for a ceremonial farewell at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.
Upon leaving Guyana, the British Monarch travelled to Antigua and Barbuda, where he will join Queen Camilla for CHOGM 2026 from November 1 to 4. [Extracted and Modified from DPI]
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