Local News

First Lady commissions Independence Park at Anna Regina

15 March 2025
This content originally appeared on INews Guyana.
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The newly commissioned Independence Park at Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast

First Lady Mrs. Arya Ali today commissioned the newly constructed children’s play park – the Independence Park – near the Anna Regina High Bridge in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

The new park, developed under the First Lady’s National Beautification Project, is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing public spaces and fostering community engagement.  With more than 10 parks and public spaces already established across the country, the project provides recreational and leisure areas for families nationwide.

Unveiling of the plaque by First Lady Arya Ali and her sons, Regional Chairperson Vilma De Silva and children of Region Two

Regional Chairperson, Vilma De Silva, expressed gratitude for the initiative, acknowledging the First Lady’s swift response to the region’s needs.

“The second time our First Lady visited, I said that I really admire what you are doing in our country, and low and behold, our First Lady responded in less than six months, and today we are here for the opening of the kids’ park in Region Two,” De Silva stated.

She highlighted other impactful projects spearheaded by the First Lady in the region, including the hygiene project and cosmetology training, which have directly benefited residents.

De Silva also assured that the park would be properly managed, with oversight from the Mayor and Town Council to ensure its upkeep.

Children enjoying the play area at the newly constructed Independence Park

“Now parents can bring their children for their leisure and relaxation time at this park in Anna Regina… We must all work together to maintain and enhance the beauty of this park. May it serve as a reminder of what we can achieve when we unite for a common purpose. Thank you, and may this park bring joy and prosperity to our town for generations to come,” the Region Two Chair stated.

Addressing the gathering, First Lady Arya Ali emphasized that the park was not just a beautification effort but a testament to the resilience and progress of Anna Regina. She spoke about the town’s history, built on the perseverance of its people, from the struggles of foreparents in the sugar and rice fields to the generations that have shaped the community today.

She reaffirmed that the development of Independence Park was part of a broader vision, ensuring that every community in Guyana has access to quality public spaces that reflect the pride and dignity of the people.

A section of the Independence Park at Anna Region

“The development of Independence Park under the National Beautification Project is a part of a broader vision, one where our public spaces reflect the beauty, dignity, and pride of our people. A vision where every town, every village, and every community has access to spaces that improve their quality of life,” she said

The First Lady assured residents that the government remains committed to turning this vision into a reality for every Guyanese, regardless of their location. She highlighted the importance of creating spaces where families can bond, children can play safely, and the elderly can relax, noting that the park is more than just a place for leisure.

“This park is more than just a place of leisure… It is a space where families can gather, where children can play safely, where our elders can relax, and where the community can come together. It is an investment in your lives… [It is a] thank you for being here in this park; a thank you for your well-being, and in the future of your children because when we invest in our people, we invest in the future of Guyana,” Mrs Ali stated.

The First Lady also highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and opportunities across the country. She added that the transformation taking place in Anna Regina is only the beginning, as the government continues its efforts nationwide to enhance roads, expand educational opportunities, and create more prospects for young people. She reiterated that these developments must reach every region, town, and home, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind.

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Anna Regina, Devin Mohan, described the commissioning of the park as a milestone for the town, symbolizing its growth and the government’s dedication to community enhancement.

“This project is a testament to our collective commitment and progress, ensuring that our community continues to grow and flourish,” the Mayor said.