Dear Editor,
One of the consequences of living in an impoverished repressive culture is that we become so concerned with meeting our daily bread needs and survival that we oftentimes forget the power of our imagination. We forget that everything we see or experience is conceived first in the mind, our imagination. Guyana is not short on ‘experts’ and talent, however one area we must grow is vision, personal, collective and national.
Tiger Bay is a historic neighbourhood in Georgetown. Its people are full of pride, vigilant, resourceful and its history and present can be woven into a fantastic story to share with all Guyanese and Guyana’s visitors.
In summary here is what I imagine for Tiger Bay:
(1) a colourful, vibrant tourist attraction with various art offerings inclusive of music, sculpture, drama, dance and culinary offerings displayed in and outside soft bars, restaurants, indoor and outdoor cafes, a small dance studio, etc;
(2) historical offerings about Tiger Bay and its immediate environs, artifacts, revered heroes and heroines, notable supporters, epochs, crucial moments, and so on displayed in a museum (Museum of the Guyanese People?) or two and at key locations throughout the district;
(3) tour guides offering memorable walk or drive-through experiences;
(4) different forms of entertainment including live bands, etc Tiger Bay can become the hub for buddings musicians, sculptors and other artists); and
(5) an urban garden space with outdoor benches and seating areas.
This not only creates jobs for residents of Tiger Bay, it transforms neighbourhood aesthetics, value and the way residents and non-residents interact with each other and the area. I know there are many more ideas to be thrown into the mix and I hope this letter helps somewhat. Editor, it is
also my hope this letter reaches the right eyes, in particular of Ministry of Tourism and the folks involved in the Tiger Bay restoration effort. In closing my intention is that this idea sparks a national discussion and draws attention to the need for us to place greater value on design, creative problem-solving and the relationship between design, social interaction and economic value when addressing similar social developmental efforts.
Yours faithfully,
R Small