THE ward of East La Penitence in the south of Georgetown is set for physical transformation as residents Leroy George, Odirie Chester and Romel July collaborate with the Ministry of Tourism and the Mayor and City Council to redesign its reserve and create an attractive destination for community tourism.Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Donald Sinclair, has said he learnt about the project at a barbecue held last Sunday to raise funds to effect the transformational project.

The all-inclusive semi-oval play park will be complemented with Wi-Fi access and a football field, basketball court, trampoline, swings, see-saws, slides, and other installations to make it equipped to entertain some 100 children who reside within the community. Seating accommodation will also be provided for adults and the elderly, so they could enjoy a beautiful afternoon hang-out in a recreational park that is perfect for a complete family fun event.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle yesterday, Sinclair praised the initiative of the young developers to put available land into such beneficial use and beautify the area, creating a tourist-friendly space.

Georgetown Mayor Hamilton Green has also endorsed the project, Sinclair said. He said that he and the trio had visited the Mayor and City Council yesterday morning. The mayor, he said, has promised to invest in the project after an official proposal is presented early next week.

“The mayor was happy to hear about it, and said that that is the kind of project (the City Council) would love to support, bearing in mind what they are doing with the Merriman Mall and a number of other areas. Within two weeks, they will meet again with a structured plan of what the project is going to be, so that City Council would see what resources they could connect to it,” Sinclair told the Chronicle.

He said the project, already moving apace, has now reached a stage where more support is needed.

Community developer Leroy George said he and colleagues Odirie Chester and Romel July made the decision to clear this area, which was once used as a garbage disposal site. He said youths once used the reserve as a football field, but it was abandoned and became overgrown with bushes while persons disposed of their garbage there.

He said they thought it fit to transform the area, and have, for months, raised funds and cleared and levelled the plain. They are now seeking support through funding and other forms from government, the Mayor and City Council, businesses, donors, and private individuals to make manifest their plan.

By Shauna Jemmott