PUBLIC Management Diploma students of the University of Guyana (UG), as part of their Local, Regional and Municipal Government course, on Sunday afternoon handed over to the residents of Shirley Field- Ridley Square a rehabilitated recreational playfield.

The handing-over ceremony was done in the presence of Vice-Chancellor of the UG, Professor Ivelaw Griffith and Director of Sport, Christopher Jones. Rawle Jerrick, a student, in welcoming the gathering of residents and officials said he and his colleagues were tasked with forming themselves in groups of 10 to 12 students, identify communities with which they are familiar and undertake a project which will enhance the environment of the said communities.

Another aim of the project, he said, was to bring awareness to the importance of local government to the residents. Jerrick explained that over the past few weeks the objectives were achieved. Three project options were floated: the construction of a bus shed at Ann’s Grove, one at Strathspey, East Coast Demerara and the rehabilitation of the play field in Shirley Field-Ridley Square.

“As a group, we surmised that this project here in Shirley Field will be more impactful and from the benefit principle, we realised that more stand to benefit from its completion and that is why we chose Shirley Field to do our project,” the student said.
It was not all smooth sailing however, but with perseverance, the students were able to be successful. Jerrick said several lessons were learned and noted that there are many stakeholders who are willing to be part of similar activities aimed at improving the lives of children and communities.

While it was a challenge working together, given the multiplicity of tasks and their own demanding jobs, the students believed in the project and worked tirelessly to have it completed on schedule. The facility, which is fitted with a seasaw, swing set, as well as a slide will soon be furnished with signs and a trampoline.

“Even though we pooled our resources to make this a reality, we failed to meet the financial requirements for this project by a huge margin,” said Jerrick, who thanked the many persons, businesses and organisations that assisted the group.

“This is a lesson for all of us. We may not have the capacity to get something done, but it does not discount that we can get it done. I think this is what we were able to prove, once there is a will, there is always a way,” he stated.

He charged the residents of Shirley Field-Ridley Square to maintain the facility so that generations to come can benefit.

Similarly, Donna McKinnon, Head of Department for Government and International Affairs and the lecturer for the Local Municipal and Regional Government course, said while the project was simply an idea, she was happy that her students were able to execute.
“Sometimes when we voice our ideas they start to get life so, because of the idea that I had the course I am teaching, local, municipal and regional governance, should be a more than theoretical course and I believe a lot of what we share with our students in the classroom is seldom transformed into the community.

“So this particular course, I wanted my students to do something more than just receive from the class,” McKinnon stated, while noting that after weeks of hard work and giving up personal time, the project is a reality and success.

VITAL LESSON
“This particular project has been a tremendous success; this is an example of what people in the community can do for themselves without waiting solely on the government. We have grown so accustomed to having the government do this and that— what this project has really thought us is that we can actually do things for ourselves without waiting on the government to do things,” the lecturer said.

She reflected on her childhood, when residents of communities played a greater role in cleaning their surroundings. This, she said, has somewhat died over the years.
“We are breathing fresh air because of what we have accomplished; I was told that this playfield was abandoned for many years. In fact, when the students came in, the ground was beginning to be a dump yard and I am happy they were happy to restore the playfield to something everyone in the community can enjoy. Restore it to something your children and grandchildren and generations to come can enjoy,” McKinnon added.
But while the lecturer was pleased with the work of her students, she chided local constituency representatives who were informed via the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) of the projects for not showing any interest.

DISAPPOINTED
“None of the councillors showed up to give the students their support; none of them came to assist and so I feel a little disappointed, and the students feel disappointed. Yet in the end, one of the councillors came to take pictures to use for political campaign. I feel very disappointed by that,” she remarked.

She told her students that the project is more than just for grades and noted that community work and togetherness will benefit all.

“I urge you community members to use the field and above all to maintain the work the students have started; don’t take the liberty to drive on the field or to destroy it, I urge you to maintain it. A lot of hard work and sacrifice have gone into this field,” McKinnon stated, while concluding that the project represents a paradigm shift from dependency to self-help.

Meanwhile, Professor Griffith in brief remarks congratulated the students and their lecturer for completing the project. He applauded McKinnon for having “the foresight to enable the connectivity between theory and practice to be manifested.”

“It is not just about the grade, but the impact and contributions that would have been made,” the vice-chancellor stated, as he thanked those who contributed to the success of the project. It was noted that only one student in the group of 11 lives in Shirley Field-Ridley Square and as such, the group’s work should be valued.

“If most of these students are not from this community and have taken the time and trouble to select this community and to do for it what maybe many others are not doing for their own communities, you have a responsibility not to let them down and not to let yourselves down. You have a responsibility to be sure that this is Alpha, the beginning but not Omega, the end,” said Professor Griffith.

The vice-chancellor also charged the residents to maintain the playfield and called on both the students and lecturers to revisit the community next year to conduct an assessment.
“It is a judgment of how this community thinks of itself, whether or not they would have kept this project alive rather than let it languish and die,” he said, while positing that there is need for more collective responsibility for the community.

“We are often looking for a handout by the government, by the company but not embracing ownership on our part. This is a tangible opportunity to embrace and own by the people of this community,” remarked Professor Griffith.

The Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Ministry of the Presidency, Mayor and City Council, Director of Sports, the Guyana Police Force, Trophy Stall, Star Party Rentals, Andrews Enterprise, Impressions and many other agencies, businesses and organisations played an important role in completion of the project.

Meanwhile, Sandra Barker, a resident of Shirley Field-Ridley Square, who delivered the vote of thanks, said she is pleased that the students chose her community.