Zoo upgrade among efforts to change country image
- President Jagdeo
Guyana Chronicle
March 13, 2007
THE National Zoological Park in the Botanical Gardens, Georgetown , will benefit from government assistance to enhance and possibly upgrade the facility.
The Government Information Agency (GINA) said it follows a visit there by President Bharrat Jagdeo, on Friday, when he explained that what is happening now is part of a process to change the image of the country.
“More and more, we will have to start funding these facilities and maintaining them. What is happening is not just an effort for World Cup Cricket,” he insisted.
“We started work in Georgetown and we are extending that effort now along the East Coast (Demerara) and many parts of the country,” President Jagdeo indicated.
The Head of State observed that people working at the zoo have been doing a good job but, like everything else, there is an issue of funding, GINA said.
Consequently, President Jagdeo said the government is going to look at some assistance to maintain the facilities there.
He said, although State funds are limited, the zoo needs support and he recalled the help given to spruce up Joe Vieira Park, West Bank Demerara.
Noting that collaborative effort between Central Government, the National Parks Commission (NPC) and the Regional Administration in Region Three (West Demerara/Essequibo Islands), Mr Jagdeo said: “Over the next year, you are going to see major capital works trying to bring back some of our infrastructure, not necessarily just the kokers and canals but the aesthetic work that needs to be done and, after that, it would be an issue of maintenance.”
The President pointed out that the zoo could serve educational purposes, as a forum to highlight Guyana ’s rich flora and fauna and even for exposing children to the environment, to the different species in the country.
“So, from that perspective, alone it is worthwhile,” he told GINA.
President Jagdeo reiterated that efforts to enhance existing national attractions and venues are not being done because of Guyana hosting Cricket World Cup (CWC).
GINA said, during the Friday tour of the zoo, he had entertained the idea of it becoming a large theme park but agreed that the space was limited for such a venture.
President Jagdeo told GINA: “Because of limitation of space, we may not be able to develop it into a major international attraction and we would have to look elsewhere to do that. But, from the perspective of keeping Guyana clean, it is a national responsibility.”
He, again, encouraged Guyanese to be cognisant of their environment and help keep the country clean.
“I want to urge people to join with this effort. They can make a big difference if they clean up their yards, parapets and in front of their homes and the community. We should see more community effort to do this.
“There should be an awakening of national pride wanting to keep our country clean, not only for foreigners, but for ourselves. So, I hope this clean-up would stimulate that change in behaviour so we can have a clean country.”
GINA said with him at the zoo were Minister of Transport and Hydraulics, Mr. Robeson Benn; Chairman of the NPC Board, Mr. John Caesar and General Manager, Ms. Inge Nathoo as well as Manager of the Zoological Park, Mr Peter Khatoo.