PRESIDENT Dr. Irfaan Ali on Saturday floated the idea of introducing a weekly Family Day initiative that would see a major street in Georgetown closed to vehicular traffic, creating a dedicated space for families to gather, exercise, socialise and spend quality time together.
The proposal was announced as the President delivered congratulatory remarks at the centennial celebration of the Caribbean Union Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church at the National Cultural Centre.
Looking ahead to Guyana’s continued development, President Ali said the country must focus not only on economic progress but also on strengthening family bonds and preserving the nation’s values.
“As we continue to develop the streets of Georgetown in the coming weeks, I want to launch a programme, and I look forward to the support of the Seventh-Day Adventist movement, when on Sundays we can close off Main Street, or one of the large streets in Georgetown,” the President said.
“Every Sunday, close it off for families to come out and unite, play together, share a meal together, children riding bicycles and doing things together as one big Guyanese family,” he added.
According to President Ali, initiatives of this nature are essential to fostering social cohesion and creating lasting memories for future generations.
“These are the things that will shape us; these are the things that would leave lasting moments in a nation’s life,” he said.
The proposal aligns closely with the Government’s broader ‘One Guyana’ agenda, which seeks to strengthen national unity by bringing together citizens from diverse ethnic, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds through shared experiences and opportunities.
Over the past several years, the administration has invested heavily in the development and enhancement of public recreational spaces aimed at encouraging family interaction and community engagement.
Through the National Beautification Project, spearheaded by First Lady Arya Ali, several parks and recreational facilities have been established or upgraded across the country.
These include the modern children’s play park at the National Park, the One Guyana Recreational Park in New Amsterdam, and improvements to the Guyana-China Joe Vieira Park.
Government has also partnered with various ministries and agencies to rehabilitate community grounds and recreational facilities nationwide, adding improved lighting, fencing, sanitation facilities, and sports amenities.
Many of these spaces now feature children’s playgrounds, basketball and football courts, modern washroom facilities, and complimentary public Wi-Fi.
The proposed Family Day initiative would further complement existing efforts, including the popular One Guyana Kitchen events hosted along Main Street, which bring together citizens through food, culture, and entertainment.
During his address, President Ali stressed that while Guyana is experiencing unprecedented economic transformation, preserving family values and social connections remains critical to the country’s long-term success.
He argued that strong families create strong communities, which, in turn, help build stronger nations.
“There must be a partnership between government and the church in building stronger families, strengthening stronger families, and that is why we have to create the environment, the ecosystem that will support family development, family time, and building stronger families,” the President said.
While no timeline was announced for the implementation of the proposed weekly Family Day programme, the President indicated that discussions on the initiative are expected to continue as part of broader efforts to strengthen social unity and family life across Guyana.
