WITH the upsurge in suicide-related deaths here, the majority of them originating on the Essequibo Coast, the regional administration there has decided to take matters in hand.

The decision they’ve taken is a bold and innovative one, whereby they propose making recreational parks available throughout the length and breadth of the region, the groundwork of which is already in motion.
These parks, which will be located in various villages throughout the Region, according to Regional Executive Officer, Rupert Hopkinson, will serve as a relaxation area, where residents can enjoy solitude and peace of mind whenever they feel depressed.
Hopkinson told the Guyana Chronicle, there is no place on the whole of the Essequibo Coast where residents, especially the young people, can go of an afternoon or weekend to enjoy some good old fresh air, and perhaps discuss whatever problems they may be having.
It is with this thought in mind, and seeing it as a way of discouraging squatting on government lands, that the whole idea came about, he said.
He posited that recreational facilities such the ones under construction are sorely needed, as there is a nexus between recreation and happiness. “Recreation produces happiness, and recreation decreases stress,” Hopkinson said. “And there are no recreational parks on the entire Essequibo Coast to produce happiness.”

UNITY PARK

But of all the parks currently under contruction throughout the Essequibo Coast, Hopkinson said the one at Unity Village is the biggest of the lot, and the one closest to his heart.
Noting that a total of $6M were allocated to the construction of this massive park, located on a vast plot of land close to the Atlantic Ocean, Hopkinson said it is hoped that the facility will be completed by the end of this year.

When the Guyana Chronicle paid the proposed park a visit, the area had already been de-bushed, and the soil was being graded preparatory to constructing the many walkways the facility will boast.

The drains and canals have already been cleansed, and the area behind Unity and the neighbouring village cleared, so as to accommodate a trail connecting them to Unity Park.
Solomon Samad, who resides at Maria’s Delight, said he is happy and excited about the construction of the park, as the villages are in need of these recreational facilities. “I am very happy about what the REO is doing,” Samad said, “because the place was bare bush, and it been looking bad.
“So, to know that we gon get this park is very good, because is me an meh wife alone; and we could come out one-one afternoon and hang out.”
Another resident, Godfrey James, who was at the time relaxing on the seawall at Unity Village, said he is a constant visitor to the neighbourhood.
He said he goes there to relieve himself from the stress of the day, and to just sit back and relax, and enjoy the tranquility of the Atlantic Ocean.
A GOOD IDEA

James sees the initiative as being a good thing, as he will be better able to enjoy this pasttime activity, as the area has been cleared from all the bushes and garbage. “I think it is a really good thing to have the parks,” he said, “because I like to come out here. And now I’ll be more encouraged to come out when the park is finshed.”
Kumar Lallashan, called ‘Big Bird’, who hails from Charity, has expressed an interest in providing Unity Park with a food court. Being in the fishing industry, he said the ‘court’ will primarily be a fish shop, though he also plans selling beverages and ice cream.
He said that he has already collaborated with the RDC on providing materials needed for the clearing of the park, as he is fully behind the venture, unlike some other people.
“I feel very good about Unity Park,” Lallashan said, adding: “I had to pull up some people who saying the RDC wasting money. I tell them is ‘stupidness’ wid them, because they had an abandoned place there… And now, look how it look! Beautiful! And is just the initial stage!”
He revealed that the area in question was what he called “a snake haven” before the coming of the park, and was a danger to the neighbouring villages.
There are a total of 12 parks under construction, for which a total of $20M were allocated.
For 2016, there have already been 11 cases of suicide attempts on the Essequibo Coast alone, four of which have proven fatal.

By Vanessa Braithwaite