New Amsterdam Town Week kicks off
-town celebrates 127-years-old.
-events focus on attracting visitors, promoting culture and creativity
-govt to establish towns in all administrative region – Min. Ferguson
DPI, Guyana, Tuesday, October 23, 2018
The highly anticipated New Amsterdam Town Week was launched on Sunday evening, at the Mathew Allen Road (Stelling Road), under the theme: “Celebrating with culture creativity and diversity in a clean, green town”.
This year’s event aims to attract visitors of all ages and will promote the culture and creativity of the 127-year-old town.
Following a Thanksgiving and church service on Sunday morning, the official town week activities were launched with a grand parade supported by members of the military forces , paramilitary groups and other organisations.
Winifred Heywood, the 67th Mayor of New Amsterdam, while addressing the sizeable audience said that New Amsterdam has seen great advancement since the Coalition took office in 2015.
“After a period of neglect, there are a lot of accomplishments. Over the last two and a half years, roads and streets are being addressed by the government. Some parts of this town have already acquired a different look, while other works are in progress.”
Not neglecting the spirit of athletics, the Mayor reminded residents of New Amsterdam of the top class, eight-lane 400-meter synthetic track and field facility that is set for construction in a months’ time, at the Burnham Park in New Amsterdam. Mayor Heywood highlighted the massive improvement seen in New Amsterdam’s electricity and water services. Her announcement of the construction of an independent Passport office was very well received by the audience.
According to Mayor Heywood, efforts are being made to expand the town easterly and southerly. Additionally, she said more industrial and housing facilities will be established.
In her feature address, Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure Annette Ferguson noted that it’s the Government’s intention to establish a town in all ten administrative region to “facilitate growth and development.” From this initiative Mabaruma in the Barima-Waini region, Bartica in Region Seven and Lethem which is located in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo Region were declared towns.
“We did this because Towns and Cities generate wealth and improve living standards while providing interaction and network that make us more productive. Towns are key to social and economic organising units. It also brings together people, provides job and all the inputs required for economic growth,” the Minister added.
Berbice Chamber of Commerce President, Ryan Alexander in his remarks pledged his continued support to work with the New Amsterdam Mayor and Town Council and added that efforts are being made to make Berbice a tourism hub.
Meanwhile, those delegates competing in the Miss New Amsterdam beauty pageant were sashed by Minister Ferguson and encouraged to do their best on the evening of the pageant , slated for October 26, at the New Amsterdam Town Hall.
Present too at the ceremony were the Deputy Mayor of New Amsterdam Compton Grant, Town Clerk of New Amsterdam Sharon Alexander, counsellors of the Municipality, senior officer of the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), Guyana Prison Service (GPS) and Officer in Charge of the Central Police Station.
Story and Images: Kellon Rover.