THE collaboration by the Government of Guyana (GoG) and the City Council (M&CC) on a restoration programme for Georgetown is commendable.The Independence Arch on Brickdam, donated to the Government by the Demerara Bauxite Company in 1966, had been in poor condition and was not reflective of one of the most important milestones in this nation’s development. Thus it was pleasing to the eyes, and was indeed a befitting way of marking the nation’s 49th Independence anniversary, when the restoration of this site and its environs was among the first priorities of this restoration programme.
As one strolls, walks, jogs or drives through the city, one sees marked improvements in its appearance. Areas like the Merriman Mall have been re-developed; existing trees have been pruned, new trees have been planted, seats have been erected, old seats have been refurbished, and the canals are being desilted.
This Christmas has seen the lighting of a Christmas tree which attracted a sizeable audience. The creation of play areas with slides, sea-saws, swings, trampoline, etc. has seen families, friends and lovers enjoying each other, the ambience and facilities; and children playing away from vehicular traffic.
The improvement of the mall is a fitting tribute to the memory of the late Claude Merriam, in whose honour it is named. He was the city’s mayor and first Minister of Labour in independent Guyana. A pioneer of sorts, he established the Merriman Funeral Home, which still remains one of Guyana’s leading funeral homes. As Minister of Labour, he partnered with the Guyana Trades Union Congress and secured, from the International Labour Organisation, technical assistance which led to the establishment of the Critchlow Labour College.
When places are named in persons’ honour, credit is done to their legacy when the values they stood for in life, including their visions and achievements, are preserved and reflected on in a manner acceptable to society. In this instance, it means the upgrading and beautification of the mall should at least be maintained, and at best improved upon along the way.
Deforestation of the Le Repentir Cemetery, the Caribbean’s largest, is another pleasing sight. Though the history behind the land’s original ownership and its naming has to do with the story of enmity between two brothers and repentance of the surviving, this cemetery has within its bosom the earthly remains of many Guyanese loved ones. There was no justification in having their resting place unkempt, given that our cultural values are steeped in love for family, reverence for the dead, and belief in the afterlife.
The cleaning of the avenues and drains is encouraging. The Botanical Gardens, too, is deserving of mention, given the tremendous work that continues to be done to restore it to its former glory. The planned restoration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites’ City Hall (completed in 1889) and the St. George’s Cathedral (completed in 1899), one of the world’s highest wooden buildings, to their original architecture would add fillip to the tourist industry.
There is still work to be done, and this cannot be denied. However, day by day, the garbage city sinks deeper as the Garden City is being pulled from beneath it. Orderliness is being restored daily. The improvement in solid waste management, including the sweeping of the streets, has realised significant reduction in the stench that once permeated the environment and gave rise to concern of an epidemic. Some recently constructed buildings are, no doubt, not pleasing to the eyes, and some of them have violated building and residency codes and have encroached on city council’s reserves.
It is hoped that, as the restoration programme continues and picks up more steam, these factors are considered and systems put in place to preserve what is being done. Notably, the beauty and maintenance of a city, or any area for that matter, are heavily reliant on respect for and enforcement of the by-laws set out therein. In the meantime, all Guyanese and tourists are encouraged to enjoy our city, keep it clean, obey the by-laws, and invite others to enjoy.
