Dear Editor,
In tandem with the much anticipated completion of the Berbice River bridge, may I suggest two areas for further development and hope that they would reach the intended audience, the individuals in charge of growth and development in Guyana, and in particular, in the Berbice region. The long stretch of road that runs through the wet land region in No 19 village should be declared a protected area, and therefore be preserved. The area is very beautiful indeed geographically and otherwise. There is a variety of wildlife in this swamp-like area on both sides of the road stretching about 5 miles long and 1 mile wide. The area reminds me of the protected area in southern Trinidad on way to Mayaro, but it is much smaller. This area does have any homes, except for one, and I am not sure who owns the land and whether it is government or privately owned. The road itself is a lovely straight drive and should be named Rohan Kanhai, Alvin Kallicharran, or Basil Butcher Drive. The area should be used to promote tourism, and people who cross the Berbice bridge would have something to look forward to, including No 63 beach.
The other area of concern is the small airport at Line Path, not too far from the Skeldon sugar estate. This airport has been used primarily to serve the sugar estate, mainly to fertilize the cane fields. It will be necessary to expand it to meet the needs of expanded Skeldon estate. The land space is available. And perhaps equally important, the airport should expand to a point where it will accommodate flights from within Guyana, especially from the Cheddi Jagan international airport. We depend too much on road traffic, and it is about time we diffuse to air traffic like elsewhere in the developing world. Overseas Guyanese, especially from North America travelling to Corentyne, will certainly benefit from this development. Many will welcome such development because of the convenience when compared to the long six-hour road journey from Georgetown, not to mention the fare.
Yours faithfully,
Lomarsh Roopnarine
