PAC introduces 24-hour CCTV surveillance at National Park

Several months after this publication reported on works being undertaken to upgrade the National Park, the Protected Areas Commission (PAC) has announced the implementation of 24-hour surveillance coverage across the facility for the safety of its valued patrons and visitors.
“The Protected Areas Commission (PAC) remains committed to providing a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for everyone who enjoys the beauty and recreational facilities of the National Park,” the Commission stated of the move.
According to PAC, high-powered surveillance cameras have been installed throughout the park.

“We are pleased to announce that 24-hour active CCTV surveillance is now operational across the entire park. Our upgraded security network provides high-definition monitoring of key locations, including the outdoor gyms, children’s play park, Manatee Pond, and Woofington Park for Pets, as well as all main parking lots and pedestrian walkways,” the Commission said.
PAC added that the initiative is intended to deter unsanctioned activities and provide peace of mind for families, fitness enthusiasts, and pet owners alike.
While the PAC team continues to monitor the grounds, members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to on-site security personnel immediately.
The Commission also advised that it is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of personal property.

Upgrades
Back in October, Guyana Times conducted an exclusive interview with Deputy Commissioner of the PAC, Parmanand Persaud, during which he revealed that a series of upgrades were being carried out at the National Park. He explained that the works are being executed in phases with support from the Ministry of Public Works as part of a broader plan to modernise and elevate the country’s premier recreational space.
According to Persaud, one of the major projects involves raising the level of the park’s ground to prevent flooding and improve drainage.
“We have a development infrastructure plan for the park – one aspect being raising the level of the park, because it is currently below the level of the two roads being constructed,” he explained. “That is one of the activities aimed at improving the services provided to patrons who use the park.”
The Deputy Commissioner had further noted that the installation of new lighting systems was a top priority, as it would allow for extended opening hours and safer evening activities.
“Secondly, we are improving lighting throughout the entire space so that we can extend the opening hours of the park. This will accommodate those who leave work at 4:30 or even 5pm, allowing them to come into the park and spend a few hours in the space. In addition, we have mobile patrols and security in place so that visitors feel safe and comfortable,” Persaud had said.
He added that the park continues to cater to a wide range of users, including cyclists, with designated cycling sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 07:00h to 09:00h.
Visitors will also notice newly installed picnic benches created using repurposed materials from the oil and gas industry.
“These benches came into the country as crates for the oil and gas sector. They were donated to the park and repurposed into the picnic benches you see today,” Persaud explained. “Rather than becoming waste, they were transformed for public use.”

Major works planned for manatee pond
Significant works are also planned for the iconic Manatee Pond, including full revetment and the construction of a child-friendly walkway.
“The intention for the Manatee Pond is to carry out revetment around the entire pond and construct a walkway that is more kid-friendly. It would extend slightly into the space so visitors can feed, view, and interact with the manatees,” Persaud outlined.
He noted that these works will be executed in phases and are dependent on available funding.
“For example, we would not want to raise the level of the road and then raise the level of the park. We are raising the level of the park first, then the circuit,” he revealed.
The project represents a collaborative effort among the Protected Areas Commission, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, and the National Sports Commission.
Only recently, PAC Commissioner Robert Persaud announced that rehabilitation asphalt works along sections of the National Park Circuit at Thomas Lands, Georgetown, have been completed and reopened to the public. According to PAC, the project was executed through a timely intervention by the Ministry of Public Works and was completed in the shortest possible time.