The US$10.8 million Guyana-China Friendship Park was commissioned by President Irfaan Ali and China’s Ambassador to Guyana, Ying Yang on Sunday, signifying the strong bond between the two nations.
Formerly known as the Joe Vieira Park, the modern multifunctional friendship park located on the West Bank of Demerara features a lotus pond, a pavilion, a football field, basketball and tennis courts, jogging areas and a children’s play zone. Additional amenities include an open-air theater, outdoor trampoline and accessible washroom facilities.
In his address to the hundreds of persons gathered at the park to witness its commissioning, President Irfaan Ali said the park is a reflection of the strong bond between Guyana and China that dates back to 1853, when the first set of indentured Chinese immigrants arrived in then British Guiana, and the formal establishment of diplomatic ties in 1972.
He said today, that bond remains unbreakable.
“So today, we mark a beginning – a new chapter in a story already rich with sacrifice toil and triumph. A relationship rooted in history, strengthened by the present, and reaching toward a horizon still being written. As Guyana stretches toward that horizon, it finds itself on the road to transformation. And I say to our friends from the People’s Republic of China – let us continue to build together; let us continue to cooperate; let us continue to transform; let us continue to trust; let your cranes rise against our skies; let your expertise fuse itself with our learning, for who better to help us realize the aspirations of a nation than those whose blood, culture and tradition are part of our soil,” the President.
As he expressed gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for financing the transformative project, President Ali urged the citizens of Guyana to care for the facility, adding that it should not become a forgotten monument.
The President said China’s contribution to Guyana goes far beyond infrastructure development.
“Beyond infrastructure Guyana enjoys healthy and robust cooperation with China in the fields of health, education, security cooperation, trade, agriculture, sport and culture. China’s envelope of assistance to Guyana has always been welcomed and appreciated,” the President said.
Chinese Ambassador, Ying Yang, said from the beginning to the end of the multimillion project, the Chinese strived for excellence in both design and construction.
Ambassador Ying Yang said after 18 months of hard work, she is pleased to be part of the commissioning ceremony.
“Remarkably, this park integrates the culture and aesthetics of China and Guyana. The style of Chinese gardens perfectly matches with Guyanese wet land, while Chinese recreational facilities are surrounded by beautiful local plants. In addition, the design exemplifies the people centered philosophy, shared by our two nations,” the Chinese Ambassador said.
Ambassador Ying Yang said as the bond between Guyana and China deepens, the two countries under the Belt and Road Initiative – have made tremendous progress in the area of cooperation.
Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill; Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation, Deodat Indar; Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Protected Areas Commission (PAC), Robert Persaud; and Region 3 Regional Chairman, Inshan Ayube were among officials who praised the initiative.
Persaud said the park, which celebrates the strong ties between China and Guyana, will serve as a bridge that reconnects people, nature and communities.
“The Guyana China Friendship Park as it is now known is monument to the strong ties between the peoples of Guyana and China in the 54th year of our formal diplomatic ties. But more importantly, its location in West Demerara speaks to a rich diverse history as the first batch of indentured Chinese immigrants was assigned to plantations on the West Demerara area,” Persaud said.
The park’s strategic location next to the Bharrat Jagdeo Demerara Bridge makes it easily accessible.
Formerly part of Plantation Meer Zorgen, the park was officially declared a public park in March 1982 after it was gifted to the Government and people of Guyana by its former owner Joseph Rudolph Vieira.
