Work has started on developing the Joe Vieira Park at Schoonord, West Bank Demerara, into a modern recreation space.
This is according to the Office of the President which supplied drone shots yesterday on the start of the work.
On January 25, 2022, an agreement between the governments of Guyana and China was signed at the Office of the President for the project. The Region Three park is being transformed into a modern recreational space and estimated to cost between US$10 million and US$12 million.
During the ceremony, acting Commissioner of the Protected Areas Commission and National Parks Commission Jason Fraser had stated that Joe Vieira Park has always provided a space for recreation especially during holidays. According to footage of the ceremony provided by the Department of Public Information, he said: “This project will enhance the space and provide the equivalent of what the National Park is to the people of Georgetown for the most part, to the people of West Demerara and beyond.” He added that the design ensures that the green spaces are retained, while also providing areas for specific sports inclusive of football, basketball and table tennis.
Fraser revealed that the project also caters for an amphitheatre, children’s activity area and picnic spaces with facilities that would be expected of a modern park. The commissioner added, “A central feature from the park’s design is the Guyana Friendship Monument that commemorates as the name suggests, the long, ongoing friendship between Guyana and China.”
Ambassador of China to Guyana Guo Haiyan had noted that the signing of the agreement for the project came as the two countries approached the 50-year mark of diplomatic relations. She stated, “After the establishment of our diplomatic relations in 1972, substantial progress has been made in our cooperation in various fields and our friendship has been continuously consolidated.”
The Ambassador revealed that in order to celebrate the longstanding friendship that the two countries have had over the years, the governments agreed to build a friendship-themed park. She noted that many green spaces and tourist attractions in Guyana were in remote areas. “So I believe this new park will provide the local people a more than public place near their home where they can enjoy the lakeside views, picnic times, activities, cultural events and recreational activities,” she had said.
