AS more infrastructure works, be it the development of new roadways or the establishment of new housing schemes, are executed across Guyana, there is a noticeable focus on establishing more green spaces. And I believe we need many more of those spaces in increasingly urban areas nationwide.

Several days ago, a friend messaged me asking if I wanted to fly kites with her and her family. And I immediately agreed, asking where we would be going. My friend responded that the seawall area near her had become filthy, so our best bet was to meet at an open space most convenient to both of us.

Because we were looking for places to meet up and fly our kites, I thought about available green spaces. And I started thinking more about why these spaces are necessary.

According to Marianne Kingsley (2019), green spaces include public areas such as parks, conservation areas, trails, urban and rural forests, community gardens, school grounds, and private spaces such as gardens and sports grounds.

She further noted that green spaces promote physical activity, foster social interactions and cohesion, contribute to stress reduction and cognitive restoration, and increase access to healthy food in some cases (like gardens).

Because of the myriad of benefits, it was contended that developing, improving, and/or maintaining green spaces should be a priority. With such spaces, communities stand to benefit significantly.

The National Park, Botanical Gardens and Promenade Gardens- all in our capital city, Georgetown- are good examples of green, open spaces. They are reasonably well maintained and used by many; this Easter weekend, for example, hundreds of families would share those spaces as is the norm.

Importantly, it was reported that President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, earlier this year, said more recreational parks will be established in every region. The goal, he reportedly said then, is to have about 15 to 20 such parks in urban centres across Guyana. Two are already being constructed in Region Six (East Berbice- Corentyne) at New Amsterdam and the Skeldon waterfront. Both projects are part of First Lady Mrs. Arya Ali’s National Beautification project.

Furthermore, the President explained in the report that such green spaces were necessary to promote people’s well-being. And he promised that there would be adequate security.

Aside from the two parks under construction, we are seeing more spaces developed. There is the La Jalousie family park at Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), the now-transformed Lamaha railway line in Georgetown and even the Kingston and Kitty seawall areas.

The Joe Vieira Park at Schoonord, West Bank Demerara, should soon be transformed into a modern recreation space featuring a pond, canopies, a children’s activity centre and picnic lawns following a commitment from the Chinese government.

Also, where new highways and major road links are being developed- like Cemetary Road and Independence Boulevard- green spaces are integrated into their design. New housing schemes, officials say, will also feature recreational parks and green spaces.

I think these efforts spotlight the increasing recognition that green spaces are needed. And it shows that efforts are being made to develop or improve what spaces are available. I hope that many more of these spaces can be developed and kept well-maintained.

If you would like to discuss this column or any of my previous writings, please feel free to contact me via email: vish14ragobeer@gmail.com