A new signature landmark has been established at the roundabout near Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) with the establishment of a 20ft “Welcome to Guyana” sign and the installation of 100 hanging flower baskets on the light posts from the Timheri junction to the site . The project is part of the First Lady National Beauty Project.
The sign was unveiled on Tuesday by First Lady Arya Ali, in the company of President Dr Irfaan Ali, Oneidge Walrond’s Minister for Tourism, Industry and Commerce, foreign diplomats, the CJIA’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Ramesh Ghir, and a man businessman Mr Neal Sukhlall.
Discussions about the project began on August 14 last year between the First Lady’s Office, CJIA, and Impressions – a local branding and marketing company.
“Today’s launch is a demonstration of the successful implementation of this project since it was undertaken in a collaborative manner involving key government agencies and our private sector partners,” Mrs Ali told a small group of invitees to the event .
The undertaking involved landscaping the entire area in the CJIA.
The sign was designed, built and installed by Impressions and the hanging baskets were sponsored by oilfield services company TotalTec. The overall cost of the project is estimated at more than $ 25M.
The First Lady said she believes the development of the area will add value to the Guyana tourism experience, and support efforts to market the Guyana Brand.
“In an emerging economy like ours, marketing is functionally important. So every tourist, expat, or even local who grabs a photo at this multi-million dollar sign and uploads it to their social media profile helps us improve and increase Guyana’s brand awareness, ”he said.
The First Lady added that a better public space gives locals something to feel proud about and celebrate.
“Ultimately, for us, it’s about providing a better and happier life for our people,” he said.
Similar scenic conservation and regeneration projects undertaken by the Office of the First Lady are underway on Kingston seafront, land of the Tuschen Community Center, and La Jealousie on the West Coast of Demerara.
Mr Ghir noted the importance of such a project at a time when Guyana is poised for economic transformation and expansion of the tourism and hospitality sectors.
Mr Ghir was keen to point out that after COVID, Guyana will come into sharp focus and must be prepared to offer a rich package to tourists. She also praised the First Lady for her insightful leadership in transforming the idea of this project into a reality.
Mr Shane Sukhlall, Impressions representative, also spoke briefly, highlighting the role of the private sector in Guyana’s development. He pointed out how important it was for the government and the private sector to have a symbiotic relationship that ultimately benefits the people of Guyana.
The unveiling was done ceremonially with a ribbon cutting after which guests were given the opportunity to photograph.
The First Lady said she decided to embark on an ambitious National Beauty Project to protect Guyana’s scenic qualities while creating an environmentally friendly society.
He noted that the project relies on scenic conservation and regeneration that can stimulate and accelerate community renewal and reinvestment as part of a larger economic development or master plan.
The project is guided by five principles of scenic conservation and regeneration.
The first, he says, is preserving the unique character of Guyana’s cities, towns and communities as beautiful places to live and work. Second, protecting and regulating the scenic resources of the country.
The third principle involved regulating and monitoring all forms of unlawful interference with the landscape or communal appearance of public spaces. Fourth, education about the value of scenic conservation and the importance of environmentally friendly lifestyles. And finally, establishing stakeholder liaison to increase Guyana’s tourism potential. (Office of the First Lady press release)