Recreation hub opens with open-air theatre, courts and lotus pond

Once a wide-open field where families gathered to fly kites at Easter, the site of the former Joe Veira Park has been transformed into the modern Guyana–China Friendship Park, a multifunctional recreational space symbolising decades of cooperation between Guyana and China.

The upgraded facility, located on the West Bank Demerara on lands once part of Plantation Meerzorg, now offers a range of amenities designed for families, athletes and visitors.

These include a lotus pond, pavilion, football field, basketball and tennis courts, jogging tracks and a children’s play zone. The park also features an open-air theatre, outdoor trampoline and accessible washroom facilities, making it one of the most versatile public recreation spaces in the country.

The site carries historical significance. It was originally gifted to the State by the late Joseph Rudolph Veira and declared a public space in 1982. Its latest transformation was funded through a US$10.8 million grant from China, adding to a portfolio of bilateral cooperation spanning infrastructure, health, agriculture and education.

At the commissioning ceremony on Sunday, President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali reflected on the historical roots of Guyana–China relations, tracing them back to the arrival of Chinese immigrants in 1853 and their contributions to national development. He described the park’s location as particularly meaningful, noting its connection to the labour and sacrifice of early indentured workers.

“This friendship park stands as a milestone on a road we are walking together into a future of shared achievement,” he said, adding that it should serve as a lasting monument to cooperation between Guyana and the People’s Republic of China.

He also urged citizens to take ownership of the space, stressing the importance of maintaining and preserving it for future generations. The President further reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to the One-China policy, describing it as a cornerstone of the country’s foreign relations based on mutual respect and trust.

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Ying Yang said the park reflects a people-centred partnership between the two nations and stands as a tribute to Guyana’s 60th anniversary.

“Today, this park stands as a tribute from the Chinese Government to Guyana’s 60th anniversary and a celebration of our long-lasting and strong friendship,” she said.

Regional Chairman Inshan Ayube, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Protected Areas Commission Robert Persaud, Minister of Public Works Bishop Juan Edghill, Minister of Public Utilities and Aviation Deodat Indar, and a representative of the contracting company also addressed the ceremony.