More to be spent on controversial D’Urban Park facility

May 16, 2017 News

…as 50+1 Independence anniversary celebrations unveiled

D’Urban Park is slated as the venue for the majority of Guyana’s 50+1 Independence anniversary celebrations says National Events Director, Lieutenant Colonel Godfrey Bess.

Works are to be carried out on the VIP stands (seen here) at D’Urban Park along with the tarmac.

Bess explained yesterday morning at a Press conference at the National Racquet Centre, Woolford Avenue that the event team visited the venue and more monies are to be spent to “spruce it up.”
Works are to be done on the VIP stands and the tarmac, according to Bess. The Ministry of Public Infrastructure and a team began preparing the venue late yesterday afternoon for the upcoming celebration.
Minister within the Ministry of Education, who holds the responsibility for Culture, Youth and Sport, Nicolette Henry, said that the government has decided that “grand” Independence anniversary celebrations will be held every five years. Last year Guyana celebrated its 50th Jubilee Independence celebrations, hence another mega celebration will be held in 2021.
The National Events Director said Guyana’s 50+1 Independence activities will include the following:
21 May-27 May: A youth week, under the theme ‘Inspiring our youth celebrating our achievements.’ This event includes a parade, an interfaith open ceremony concert, a youth exposition, A youth expression and career and training exposition. The event is seeking to target approximately five thousand youths between age 14 and 35.
Speaking on the career and training exhibition, Director of Youth, Melissa Carmichael said that 56 organizations will be partaking – both public and private organizations. This exhibition is seeking to aid youths in choosing a career path, scholarship opportunities and some organizations will be providing employment opportunities.
23 May- 25 May: Literacy fair and fine art exhibition will be held at the National Cultural Centre (NCC). There will also be guided school tours to the Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI), to learn about water treatment plants; the importance and benefits.
24 May, 2017: A 50+1 Independence Appreciation Ceremony to distribute trophies to those who were born on May 26, 1966 and others. The event will be held at the NCC.

Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry (4th from right) and the event team for Guyana’s 51st Independence Anniversary at a press briefing yesterday.

25 May, 2017: The Flag raising ceremony will be held D’Urban Park, it will commence at 22:30hrs. This event will display Guyana’s vibrant culture and rich heritage, the night will conclude with hoisting of the Golden Arrow head and fireworks.
At the Flag Raising ceremony printed flyers, posters and flash cards will be distributed sensitizing Guyanese on the benefits and importance of environmental friendly habits. This is in keeping with the Presidents “Green Economy” drive, Lieutenant Colonel Bess pointed out.
27 May, 2017: There will be a grand farmer’s market, cottage industry and small business exhibition. This event will be held at the D’Urban Park and will commence from 08:00hrs. The Farmer’s Market is to provide information to citizens about the importance of agriculture, and how they can go about starting an agro business. Fresh and processed agricultural products and livestock will also be on display.
Celwin Anthony, representative from the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) noted that it is the first time in years that a farmer’s market is being part of such activities. He encouraged youths to come out and see what the agriculture fields have to offer. The framers market is linked directly to the youth week initiative.
29 May, 2017: There will be another guided school tour. This tour will venture to the Housing expo at Perseverance. The objection is to impart the relevance of housing and importance of preparing for the future to youths.

SECURITY
Security is at top of the agenda Lieutenant Colonel Bess stated. Commander of ‘C’ Division Calvin Brutus said that over 250 ranks will be present at Guyana’s 51st Independence activities. Police officers from the Traffic division, the Criminal Investigations Department (C.I.D), and special ranks will be deployed at various routes around D’Urban Park.
Commander Brutus explained that no parking will be allowed on Homestretch Avenue; this is to facilitate the free flow of VIPs and emergency vehicles. Parking for spectators will be on Vlissengen Road on the eastern part between Homestretch Avenue and Hadfield Street. There will also be parking on the Northern side of Hadfield Street.
Wortmanville and Lodge areas will have more security presence, Commander Brutus noted.