-says Minister Edghill

By Cindy Parkinson
THE ongoing works at the Kingston Seawall are part of the national beautification project that is being undertaken by the Ministry of Public Works, in partnership with the Office of the First Lady.

Speaking recently with the Guyana Chronicle, Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, explained that the seawall is an “important project” as that area is a major recreational space that attracts thousands of Guyanese, as well as tourists.

According to Minister Edghill, the intent is to make the seawall a “world-class facility” in terms of its appearance and the amenities it offers.

Minister Edghill also mentioned that a lavatory facility was being constructed to cater for people who have a disability.

Taking into consideration that the Christmas season is quickly approaching and lots of tourists and locals are expected to be at the seawall, Minister Edghill is very optimistic that the beautification works will be “wrapped up in a matter of weeks.”

The minister is anticipating that by 2025, the “shanty town” image of the entire seawall will be regularised and that there will be small businesses operating in a manner that is presentable and accepted by all.

“Guyana is transforming not only in terms of doing big things, but we must also be doing beautiful things and His Excellence is leading from the front in that regard,” said Minister Edghill.

The President of Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali, and his government are working tirelessly to ensure that Guyana looks “clean and beautiful at all times and it is their hope that all Guyanese will play an active role in ensuring that this standard is maintained. The seawalls, as well as similar locations, should be a safe zone for people to relax and enjoy with their families and friends,” he said.

He also used the opportunity to remind Guyanese that the country has taken a turn for the better and that “we” should elevate our minds and want to live in a beautiful and serene environment.

The minister emphasised that the disposal of garbage should be done in a proper manner and that “littering and the defacing of public property is strictly prohibited.”

Minister Edghill in passionately sharing his personal point of view with this publication said: “It is rewarding to see people’s lives and their quality of life improve. The feedback from the public has been enormous. Whenever you improve people’s lives and people’s happiness increases, it means that you have a more productive society and people are more at ease. Seeing people coming out of poverty and doing better for themselves and their families gives me and all of us in the People’s Progressive Party/Civic a sense of satisfaction. President Ali’s administration is a people-centred government and whatever we do is for the benefit of the people.”

Meanwhile, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, enthusiastically shared that civil works on the vending outlets in that area have been completed and the focus will now be on erecting a “huge” building between those outlets to accommodate at least eight more vendors.

According to Minister Indar, concrete parking between the trees as well as paving of the roadway and the “freshening up” of the entire area, will also be done.

He also pointed out that the ministry is repairing the drain at Rabbit Walk and creating a safe place for children to play.

The minister commended the contractors for working through the rain at times so as to ensure that the works will be completed in time for the Christmas season.

He also took the opportunity to congratulate the First Lady, Arya Ali, on her recent graduation from the University of the West Indies (UWI) after completing the International Masters of Business Administration (Strategy & Competitiveness Specialisation) programme at the Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business.

“I am extremely proud of our First Lady. She is an exceptional human being. Her humility is unmatched and, as a young woman, she has created a model for young girls and women around Guyana to look up to,” he added