By Rabindra Rooplall

RESIDENTS of the Essequibo island of Leguan are making a collective effort — with the assistance of regional officials — to develop a community ground and recreational facility at Boondarie Park.They have already cleared most of the area in preparation for sporting activities such as cricket, football and volleyball. However, they are seeking assistance from Government to further enhance the park.

Dr Kamal Roy Narine, who lived overseas for the past 43 years and now resides in his retirement home in Leguan, has said he encourages persons to volunteer their service to upgrade the community for the benefit of everyone and the future generation.

“We need certain things in the community to keep the young people occupied. They need to be involved in sports and other things that can contribute to development in all spheres of life. We are now focusing on developing a local recreational park through self-help and assistance from the authorities,” Dr Narine said.

One of the active members of the development team, Seeram Oudho, has said the area was previously a sports ground, but for the last 18 years it was not functional.

“We always getting promise, promise, promise; but nothing was ever done to help us with the ground. But now, with new representatives, we were told to go ahead and develop the site. We started cutting down all the trees and ploughing the entire place,” he explained.

He said the relevant authorities or Central Government should assist with the construction of a road in the area, to get easy access to the ground as well as to the cremation site on the beach.

According to Chairman of the project, Roberto Stewart, the ground has the potential to become a major recreational area for the entire Leguan, especially with the beach nearby.

“We eventually want to install washroom facilities (and) seating stands for persons. As such, when those stages are completed, the ground can be used for many other recreational events,” Stewart, who is a pastor, said.
The pastor further said, “I would like to see coaches for various sports events for young people, whether its cricket, football, volleyball, or anything else the youths show an interest in. The island is ripe for development, but we are not getting the investments needed to boost our potential, which is sometimes worrying.”

According to Stewart, the Government should get the long-awaited plantain chip factory in their area up and running, since this would enhance the livelihood of residents.

Meanwhile, Advisor to the Prime Minister, Harry Narine Deokinanan, who also visited the site, said the various concerns highlighted will be looked at, and reviewed based on their respective merit.