Construction of modern US$10M Joe Vieira Park progressing
An aerial shot of the present state of the facility
Development of the modern US$10 million China-Guyana Friendship Joe Vieira Park on the West Bank of Demerara is moving apace, with earthwork excavation and foundation (sand, loam and pile) construction being well advanced.
Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud and Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Guo Haiyan, have assessed works ongoing at this park on Wednesday. As Chairman of the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), the Foreign Secretary was accompanied in this exercise by Commissioner (ag) Jason Fraser of the Protected Areas Commission and by other technical staff members of the PAC. They have been informed that foundation works, including the laying of sand, loam, and piles, should be completed before the rainy season begins.
Foreign Secretary and Chairman of the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), Robert Persaud, along with the Ambassador of China to Guyana, Guo Haiyan, during the inspection exercise
Approximately US$2.5 million has already been expended on this project, and the recreational space should be open for public use by October 2025, while finishing works would continue. The Park is slated for commissioning in 2026.
Highlighting the importance of the Joe Vieira Park, Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud has said, “This project is very important, not only for the friendship for the two countries, but (it) also forms part of what is taking place across the country to develop public spaces, open spaces, urban parks; and it is part of the modernisation taking place in our country.”
With Region Three set for significant development, the timely completion of this modern space is crucial. The Foreign Secretary has thus urged the contracting company to expedite the project in the public’s interest.
Works ongoing at the China-Guyana Friendship Joe Vieira Park in Region Three
“With the completion of that bridge (DHB) too, more people from other parts of the country will be able to access (the Park), because it will be easier to commute,” Persaud has added.
Ambassador Haiyan, expressing a similar opinion, has emphasised the need for the project to be completed within its stipulated timeline, and, importantly, in accordance with safety standards.
The Joe Vieira Park project is fully funded by the Chinese Government, symbolising the deep and abiding relations between these two nations. Among the major attractions this Park would feature are: a China-Guyana Friendship Monument, an amphitheatre, a picnic lawn, a stand canopy over a pond, twin pavilions; and grounds for football, tennis and basketball.
Guyana and China signed an implementation agreement that marked the commencement of this project in January 2022.
The iconic Joe Vieira Park, located on the former Plantation Meer Zorgen in Region Three, was designated as a park in March 1982. When its upgrade has been completed, it will be renamed the China-Guyana Friendship Joe Vieira Park.
