First Lady of Guyana, Arya Ali, met with representatives from the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) and Seawalls and Beyond on Thursday to solicit ideas and offer support for tourism development in Georgetown. The meeting was attended by First Lady Arya Ali, President of THAG, Mitra Ramkumar, and representatives of Seawalls and Beyond, Dwayne Hackett, Darrell Carpenay, Carl Melville, Savita Balkaran, and Ron Smith.
First Lady, Arya Ali collecting a tourism magazine from President of THAG, Mitra Ramkumar – Photo Credit – (Office of the President)
Ramkumar shared that the tourism industry continues to struggle amidst the COVID-19 pandemic since the country’s airports remain closed. In this regard, he said that efforts are being made during this time on the part of THAG and other local tourism bodies to strengthen the local tourism capacity by developing tourist hubs around the city.
One area identified as a potential hotspot for tourists is the seawalls, which has been given much attention over the last few weeks, after the local group, Seawalls and Beyond, embarked on a significant restoration project. The First Lady was informed by both groups that some of the immediate challenges which need to be addressed are: improved solid waste disposal, improved policing of the area; improved lighting; regularization of vending; and the introduction of a freshwater source.
“We will immediately commence and facilitate discussions with agencies like the Georgetown City Council, the Guyana Police Force, and relevant Ministries to see how best we can develop workable solutions to these problems,” the First Lady said.
Having been made aware of these challenges, First Lady Ali committed to engaging the relevant authorities and agencies to have them addressed. Beyond the seawalls, she highlighted that her National Beautification Project will rely on scenic conservation to safeguard the picturesque qualities of Guyana’s roadways, urban spaces, and countryside; while simultaneously creating a more environmentally-friendly society.
First Lady Arya Ali, along with stakeholders involved in the development of Georgetown – Photo Credit: Office of the President)
She explained that her office plans are currently underway to identify spaces for eco-friendly parks in each administrative region and embark on an ongoing national tree planting exercise. To complement these efforts, the First Lady also articulated her vision of improving local culture by supporting the creative and performing arts.
“One of the things that I wish to facilitate is the reintroduction of the performing arts at the Seawall Bandstand. This will not only support the creative industry but provide economic opportunities,” she said, adding this will be replicated in other areas.
[Extracted and Modified from DPI]
