AS she continues to expand her national beautification project, First Lady Arya Ali, on Friday, visited Tuschen New Housing Scheme in Region Three and Diamond/Grove on the East Bank Demerara, where multipurpose recreational parks will be built.

During separate ceremonies held at the two locations, Mrs. Ali, the Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Nigel Dharamlall, other officials and residents, unveiled a billboard.

The First Lady explained that the project aims to encourage the revitalisation of public safe spaces and green parks across the country. She also pointed out that her initiative is in keeping with President, Dr. Irfaan Ali and his government’s “One Guyana” theme of inclusion and togetherness for all Guyanese.

“The multipurpose recreational parks form part of what the Government of Guyana is doing through my office and under the national beautification project. The multipurpose facilities are for you, the people, and we are hoping that whatever is done here, you, your children, the elders, and persons with disabilities can benefit the most from it. The building will also house a library and computer centre to cater to the needs of students, and of course, it is a safe, green space for all of you,” said Mrs. Ali.

She continued by telling the residents that “the complex will consist of an area where people can exercise; a cafeteria, a children’s play area, a beautiful garden space, and a multipurpose hall to help the people in their advancement of technical skills like cake decorating, floral arrangements, etc. This is to help you, the people here in Tuschen.”

She added that the parks aim to be self-sufficient as monies generated from the facilities will be spent on their maintenance.

She also explained that the parks will be equipped with lights and benches.

Mrs. Ali used the opportunity to urge residents to not only enjoy but to care the facilities since they now belong to them.

While speaking with the residents from both communities, Minister Dharamlall expressed how happy he was to be a part of the First Lady’s initiative.

He also stated that the projects are part of President Ali’s commitment to ensuring the enhancement of communities and investment for people across Guyana.

“As part of President Ali’s vision to transform our village economy, our First Lady has also been doing quite a lot of work across the country in enhancing projects within our communities for some special reasons; for safety, security, pleasure, and most importantly, community integration.”

He said: “You have heard that we are making provisions for skills training to be done at these facilities. Along with the fact that people will be employed to maintain the park, another set will be able to sell food and beverages, which shows clearly that we are making investments to improve the lives and livelihoods of people.”

At both locations, residents expressed their gratitude to the First Lady, Minister Dharamlall, and the government for giving back to the people, especially the children who live in those communities.

It is expected that the two parks will be completed by the end of December. (Cindy Parkinson)