Dear Editor,
I was very pleased to read of the government’s plan for recreational and landscaping projects for the foreshore between the Kitty Pump Station and Round House behind the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown.
Editor, I must say as an ex-pat and young Guyanese who frequents the area, this section of our city has been screaming for such a project, not only as one of the few family-oriented spots in the country for Guyanese, but as great spot for boosting our tourism potential in a struggling sector. As someone who has visited many boardwalks in developed countries and the Caribbean, I always wondered why one of the few family friendly environments in Georgetown and in the country was not developed further to capitalize on its immense potential and was flabbergasted that the previous administration did not see a win-win project here.
I can only hope that the new administration will continue to put emphasis on these types of projects and it can really signal a turning around for our country. Such projects add real value to our nation and one can cite the National Park as an example; it is my hope that this would continue a new trend in our country where investment in family-friendly spots and recreational facilities is taken seriously, as one sees when travelling across the US and Canada.
Editor, this project is a definite win-win for Guyana. In addition to offering a serene and natural attraction for would be tourists, it encourages small business development (if done fairly and equitably) along with a host of other social benefits.
This area is big enough to offer something for everyone, from recreational fitness enthusiasts and joggers to even a mini Coney Island, which would complement the hotel industry in the area.
I would like to encourage the planners to also look at trends such as green spaces, and maybe entertain the idea of international architects and planners working along with local talent so that our people can garner some international experience and know-how and apply it elsewhere in the country if needs be; however this would have to be done within the boundaries and realities of climate change and a possible sea-level rise.
Yours faithfully,
A Persaud
