First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar is planning on creating a garden on a section of the lawns of State House, to promote gardening among children in Georgetown.
President Donald Ramotar and the First Lady have yet to occupy the official residence of the head-of-state, since renovation is still ongoing there. President Ramotar had indicated to this newspaper that termites destroyed many parts of the wooden building, necessitating the current repairs. He had said that after the repairs are completed and exterminators address the termite problem, he and his family would occupy the building.
The First Lady, speaking with Stabroek News on the impending move, said that home to her will always be at the family’s residence at Lot 142 Ogle View, Goedverwagting, on the East Coast Demerara. However, she added that she understood her husband’s role as President and will make the best of living at State House. She informed that only she and the President will be living at State House, while noting that their three children are old enough to and have begun living on their own.
Mrs Ramotar emphasised that while she could not predict what her stay at State House will be, she was aware that the environment plays a major role in the way one feels at any home or place. In this vein, she said, she plans to take some of their East Coast-lifestyle to State House, to not just adjust to the move but to help bring back gardening to city children. This will be done by designating an area for a garden and she is currently consulting to ascertain if she could be given a specified area to garden without damaging the lawns of the property.
Further, Mrs Ramotar also said she hopes that selected students, including those who are focused on Agricultural Science, will visit the garden. From the produce they reap, she added, they will be able to take home to their parents. She was also optimistic about support from parents and teachers in encouraging children to garden.
She explained that she wanted to use her passion for gardening to help others, and especially children, to realize the benefits, including saving on food, recreation and exercise and healthy eating.
“I am very passionate about gardening; especially the kitchen garden. I feel everyone should have one because of the benefits it brings, not only saving on one’s pocket but teaching a skill that helps development in so many ways,” Mrs Ramotar explained. “I know it will be a joy when you look at the faces of those children, when they see the works of their hands blossoming and ready for reaping. It is known that children love to see things grow, so it will be best to channel that love and passion into something positive for Guyana’s children.”
