The Kurupukari area is an option for Guyana’s development

Dear Editor,
The beautiful area of Kurupukari can be considered one of the best options for the future development of Guyana. It is centrally located in Guyana and in close proximity to Iwokrama tropical forest which both His Excellency President Hoyte and His Excellency President Dr Jagan have endorsed as an example and gift to the world for sustainable habitat.
In the heart of our beautiful country where many Amerindian tribes still call home and have a history that goes back thousands of years, this location would be exceptional for the responsible development of our country. Maintaining the environmental integrity of the location while building a sustainable city of the future will allow for the native community to maintain their way of life and enable the efficient and effective management of our country. This central location also allows for excellent border control and maintenance of our sovereignty. It will be a great location from which to expand regional management and establish a capital that is less vulnerable to the ever-changing climate.
Given its close proximity to the Linden-Lethem highway, increasing trade with our neighbouring countries and improving the use of available natural resources no longer will suffer from the coastal focus that has hindered investment in the interior of the country.
The Kurupukari area is also a great location for bird watching and a full immersion experience in ecotourism, which can be easily showcased in the interior location of our country. The history of unsustainable balata bleeding in the area can serve as a great lesson learned from unsustainable exploitation of our Earth’s resources and will add value to the story and purpose of the Guiana Shield which a capital in the Kurupukari area will represent.
The city centre could boast an expansive green space with a plaza and cultural centre that has both indoor and outdoor stages allowing for the various Amerindian tribes to showcase their culture while embracing the tourist industry. Museums, libraries, schools and universities in the city centre will also allow for the exploration of our rich Amerindian heritage and provide opportunities to learn more about our planet, its climate, animals, plants and nature in general. The inclusion of nature parks will bring family fun back into focus with nature tours and eco-friendly recreational activities.
Moving just beyond the centre of the city a focus can be added to allow for crafts, art and restaurants which offer the multi-ethnic flavours of Guyana. The hotels and conference facilities should be just beyond the restaurant realm to allow for easy access to accommodations while keeping the necessary comforts and essentials within walking distance.
This leads us to an area of essentials a bit further out from the city centre which includes banks, markets, health clinics, department stores and malls. Venturing even further away from the culturally rich centre of the city we should add the necessary support that comes with an efficient city that takes care of and protects its citizens. This is where the courts, Police headquarters, fire brigade headquarters, religious facilities and hospitals can be placed. Beyond this 4th outer realm from the city centre, we can add the governance structure that allows for the development of national administration across the ten regions. This would include our various Ministries, the Office of the President and his residence and those of key Government officials. Beyond this 5th realm, housing developments can be established followed by manufacturing and then environmentally friendly farming areas which support the city and export initiatives that can leverage the transportation network on the outskirts of the city. The core of the renewable energy grid which supports the nation overall can be established a bit further out to ensure safety and an opportunity for its expansion as the nation continues to develop. Finally, in the 10th outer realm, the military and prisons can be located beyond the core of the renewable energy grid to ensure the safety and protection of the capital.
These are a few ideas to consider as we embark on a game-changing national development plan. Choosing a location for the heart of our national development plan, followed by the establishment of a clear timeline and strategic plan for our nation’s long-term development continues to be a top priority that must be addressed as we leverage the resources currently available.

Best regards,
Jamil Changlee