Dear Editor,
I would have viewed the debate in the National Assembly concerning the D’Urban Park and was shocked when I heard the Honourable Minister of Public Infrastructure revealed to the nation that the then PPP/C Government spent $179M on the D’Urban land.
Let me remind the public that the National Assembly is not where one is expected to lie and given the fact that no one from the opposition disputed the Minister’s claim can only means that it is totally factual.
Given that the Minister’s statement is truthful and given the fact that all Guyana would have seen the large jungle infested with reptiles and creatures of all descriptions which this Government had to bring down to put up the current beauty called the D’Urban Park Stadium, I ask what really was done with $179M?

Editor, $179M is an easy number to pronounce but difficult amount to accumulate and it bothers me a great lot to know so much money was spent on an area that was left by the previous administration as a haven for criminals, a home to dangerous species of animals, a health hazard especially during the rainy season, a complete distraction to the actual beauty of Homestretch Avenue, an eye sore to the tourists and last but not least a forest next to the Ministry of the Presidency.
Editor, the Minister did quote from the Hansard of the National Assembly and informed the house and nation at large that years ago the area was swampy and a lot of resources were expended but the state in which it was when this government took office has left me with the conclusion that the PPP/C spent $179M to better the home of notorious individuals because instead of them having to hide and dwell in a swampy area, they had solid ground and heavy bushes to meander through and disappear from authorities.

In contrast to the above, let me congratulate this government for what was done to this area. We now have before us an area that is available to the public for both secular and religious celebrations which can accommodate more than 30 000 people at any one time. We have a stadium where the largest flag in Guyana was hoisted for the first time on May 26, 2015. We have a stadium that beautifies the area and encourages the residents around to keep their premises just as or even more beautiful. The D’Urban Park Stadium is a monumental symbol in our country that will never become a white elephant because Guyanese of all walks will assemble again in their numbers on February 22, 2017 onwards. Thank you APNU AFC for this most welcomed facility.

Yours faithfully,
Ganesh Mahipaul