Major facelift for Esplanade Park – Minister Trotman

DPI, GUYANA, Wednesday, February 28, 2018

The Ministry of Natural Resources through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Fund has pledged to spruce up the Esplanade recreational park in New Amsterdam.

Minister Raphael Trotman, during a visit to Berbice last week, paid a visit to the park to examine its condition and made the pledge to representatives of the Mayor and Town Council.  He said he hopes that the rehabilitation would meet international standards.

According to Minister Trotman, one of the components of the CSR is the creation and revival of green spaces, in keeping with the Guyana’s green economy, and ensuring that persons have a place for recreation. Spanish oil company Repsol has already committed to this project and will be working with the ministry to carry out the necessary works.

“I have to reiterate that being born in this town gives me a special sense of urgency, pride and purpose to start what we can here. We pledge to work with you. I know you are newly installed and much is expected of you, so we will have to ensure that you deliver”, he told Mayor Winifred Haywood.

Mayor Haywood said she was thrilled about the minister’s promise as the council has been seeking to figure out how it would begin the park’s rejuvenation.

Repsol representative Ryan Madrid said he had already visited the park earlier this year to get a first-hand view of the project. He said his company is willing to work along with the council’s team in the phased development, “I don’t want to put a limit on what can be done. I want to understand what working with the council how to get sustainable development.”

The council will meet sometime in the next few weeks with government and Repsol representatives to work out the framework of the project. Assistance will also be given by former Protected Areas Commission Director Damian Fernandes.

 

By: Alexis Rodney