China donates US$10M to transform Joe Vieira Park on West Dem
The Guyana Protected Areas Commission and the Chinese Embassy have signed an agreement that is intended to transform the Joe Vieira Park in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara) into a modern green space.
Commissioner (ag) of the Protected Areas Commission, Jason Fraser, and the Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy, Hanming Hu, sign the implementation agreement
The Joe Vieira Park located at Schoonord, West Bank Demerara (WBD), has been in an abandoned state for years. It was donated to the regional government by businessman Joe Vieira and falls under the National Parks Commission. The green space was designated a park on March 24, 1982.
On Tuesday, Commissioner (ag) of the Protected Areas Commission and the National Parks Commission Jason Fraser along with the Economic and Commercial Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy Hanming Hu signed the agreement that cost some US$10 million. “I believe this new park will provide the local people a modern public place near their home where they can enjoy the lakeside views, picnic time, fitness exercise, culture events, and recreational activities,” she said.
The park will also include canopies and a children’s activity centre. It will be fully funded by China through a grant and will have a Guyana-China friendship monument commemorating the long and ongoing friendship between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud, who attended the signing ceremony, said this marks the beginning of a comprehensive programme of activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations between Guyana and China.
An artist’s impression of the enhanced Joe Vieira Park
“Our relations over the past 50 years have certainly been very consistent and stable because in Guyana we have always maintained adherence to the One China policy, and that has been a policy that we have not deviated from…”, he said. The Foreign Secretary added that he hopes to get support from China on all other platforms while adding that the move to develop the Joe Vieira Park is in accordance with the President’s vision to see major development across the country.
“Whilst we have identified this particular part of the President’s vision to establish similar such facilities…we look forward to working with other partners particularly China in making those a reality,” he explained.
“I believe this new park will provide the local people a modern public place near their home where they can enjoy the lakeside views, picnic time, fitness exercise, culture events, and recreational activities,” she said.
The Foreign Secretary added that he hopes to get support from China on all other platforms while adding that the move to develop the Joe Vieira Park is in accordance with the President’s vision to see major development across the country.
