The Burnham Park Sporting Facilities situated in New Amsterdam, East Berbice is getting a much-needed facelift. The venue is earmarked to accommodate a synthetic track which will be the third of its kind in the country.
Through the of Minister of Social Cohesion with responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sports Dr. George Norton, massive infrastructure work including de-bushing, excavation of the drains, land filling and fencing is set to done at the venue.
During a recent visit, Minister Norton explained that $500M has been earmarked for the construction of two synthetic tracks. One of which is earmarked for the
Minister of Social Cohesion, Dr George Norton
Burnham Park while the other is currently under way in Linden. He expressed the belief that the venue is the best location to plant a synthetic track for Region Six. The Synthetic track is an initiative for the development of sports in the community and region, the Minister added. He urged all stakeholders to get on board as quickly as possible so to ensure the project’s resounding success. Mayor of New Amsterdam, Winifred Haywood, in an impassioned speech, described her elation at receiving information about developmental works in New Amsterdam. She spoke of her days of attending, participating and viewing many sporting, cultural and other events at the famous venue. She assured the minister that work would commence immediately.
Also present was Regional Executive Officer (REO) of Region Six, Kim Stephen, who guaranteed that the necessary funds will be made available in a timely manner. The REO assured that, “Residents of Region Six are indeed proud and happy that the region is not forgotten. That you have taken the opportunity to enlighten us of the things that are in store for Burnham Park.”
A bleacher, costing $7M, was constructed by the previous administration. The bleacher measuring 63ft x26 ft with eight platforms has begun to sink. The toilet facility with a reservoir which was also built is in a low area that floods easily.
Minister Norton revealed to Guyana Times Sport that the construction will be done in four phases; the first two of those phases should be completed by the end of this year. The final two phases are going to be done in early 2018, among the final phases; the actual laying of the synthetic track will be done.
