RESIDENTS of Tuschen and neighbouring communities on the East Bank of Essequibo, Region Three, are set to benefit from their first modern, multi-purpose recreational park, officially opened on Friday by First Lady, Mrs. Arya Ali.
The Tuschen Recreational Park is the 13th such facility developed under the Office of the First Lady’s National Beautification Project, which was launched four years ago. Mrs. Ali described the new space as a significant investment in community well-being, especially for one of Guyana’s largest housing schemes.
“When we came into office in 2020, we promised a better life for Guyanese all across this country, and part of that involves ensuring that you have access to safe recreational spaces for your children and the elderly,” the First Lady told residents during the ceremony.
The new facility boasts modern play amenities, gazebos, sanitary facilities, benches, lighting, receptacles, and fruit trees—an emblem of Region Three. A multi-purpose building has also been included, designed to host skills training and empowerment sessions.
Mrs. Ali announced that women interested in learning trades such as cake decorating or sewing, and youth wishing to take up business management or customer service training, will soon have access to these opportunities at the park. She emphasised that the initiative reflects the People’s Progressive Party’s (PPP) vision of holistic development, focusing on both communities and individual lives.
“Each time we open a new park or public space, it reminds us that apart from roads, bridges, and big buildings, development is also about creating spaces where our children and families can relax, feel safe, and enjoy life, and in this case, benefit from opportunities for self-development,” she noted.
Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar, also attended the opening and praised the project. However, he cautioned residents to safeguard the new facility against vandalism.
“It belongs to the people of this community, and we must not allow anyone to vandalise it, because if they do, it will be an affront to the development that we are trying to achieve. It will be to the disadvantage of the children and the families who are supposed to come here and have an afternoon time, sit and chat. Children will play,” the Minister urged.
The Tuschen Recreational Park is expected to serve thousands of residents and enhance the community’s appeal as both a residential and business hub in Region Three.