April 4, 2021
Dear Editor,
The beautiful area of Kurupukari can be considered one of the best options for the future development of Guyana. It is centrally located in Guyana and in close proximity to Iwokrama Rainforest Conservation and Development Centre which Presidents Hoyte and Jagan endorsed as a gift to the world for research. In the heart of our beautiful country where two Amerindian tribes still call home, and with a history that goes back thousands of years, this location would be exceptional for the responsible development of our country. Maintaining the environmental integrity of the location by building a sustainable city of the future will allow for native communities to maintain their way of life whilst enabling the efficient and effective management of our country. It will be a great location from which to expand regional management and establish a capital that is less vulnerable to the ever changing climate. Given its close proximity to the Linden-Lethem highway, increased trade with our neighbouring countries and improved use of available natural resources no longer will suffer from the coastal focus that has hindered investment in the interior of the country.
The Kurupukari area is a great location for bird watching and a full immersion experience in ecotourism, which is easily showcased in the interior location of our country. The history of unsustainable balata bleeding in the area is a great lesson to be learnt from unsustainable exploitation of our earth’s resources which adds value to the story and purpose of the Guiana Shield. The capital city’s center could boast an expansive green space with a plaza and cultural center having both indoor and outdoor stages, allowing for Amerindian tribes to showcase their culture whilst embracing the tourist industry. Museums, libraries, schools and universities within the city center will also allow for the exploration of our rich Amerindian heritage and provide opportunities to learn more about our planet, its climate, animals, plants and nature in general. The inclusion of Nature Parks will bring family fun back into focus with nature tours and eco-friendly recreational activities. Moving just beyond the center of the city a focus can be added to allow for crafts, art and restaurants which offer the multi-ethnic flavours of Guyana. The hotels and conference facilities should be just beyond the restaurant realm to allow for easy access to accommodations while keeping the necessary comforts and essentials within walking distance.
This leads us to an area of essentials a bit further out from the city center which includes banks, markets, health clinics, department stores and malls. Venturing even further away from the culturally rich center of the city we should add the necessary support that comes with an efficient city that takes care of and protects its citizens. This is where the courts, police headquarters, fire brigade headquarters, religious facilities and hospitals can be placed. Beyond this 4th outer realm from the city center we can add the governance structure that allows for the development of national administration across the ten regions. This would include our various ministries, the office of the president and his residence and those of key government officials. Beyond this 5th realm housing developments can be established followed by manufacturing and then environmentally friendly farming areas which support the city and export initiatives that can leverage the transportation network on the outskirts of the city. The core of the renewable energy grid which supports the nation overall can be established a bit further out to ensure safety and an opportunity for its expansion as the nation continues to develop. Finally, in the 10th outer realm the military and prisons can be located beyond the core of the renewable energy grid to ensure the safety and protection of the capital. These are a few ideas to consider as we embark on a game changing national development plan. Choosing a location for the heart of our national development plan, followed by the establishment of a clear timeline and strategic plan for our nation’s long term development continues to be a top priority that must be addressed as we leverage the resources currently available.
Best regards,
Jamil Changlee
Chairman
The Cooperative
Republicans of Guyana