Joe Vieira Park on track for 2026 opening

The US$12 million China-Guyana Joe Vieira Friendship Park on the West Bank of Demerara is 83 per cent complete and remains on schedule for official completion, Minister within the Ministry of Public Works Madanlall Ramraj said on Friday during an inspection of the site.

Funded through a grant from the Government of China, the park is expected to open to the public by the first quarter of 2026. The project is part of the government’s effort to promote healthy lifestyles, sports, and relaxation for citizens while advancing national infrastructure.

“The investments by government in national infrastructure are not just to build roads. National infrastructure is about connecting people, and that’s what parks do. The conceptualisation of the park was to ensure that people have spaces to spend time with their families. Our citizens need spaces to have family time, our children need safe spaces to explore recreational activities, and we as a government are excited to see this project come to fruition,” Minister Ramraj said.

The park will combine modern infrastructure with natural beauty and will feature facilities for football, basketball, volleyball, table tennis, and lawn tennis. A children’s play area is under construction, and green lawns and local tree species will create a serene environment.

The site will include three main entrances and a new exit road at Schoonard to improve traffic flow. Additional road upgrades around the park are planned to enhance connectivity for residents and visitors.

“This park will bring tremendous benefits to residents across Region Three. It will not only serve as a space for recreation and leisure, but also encourage healthier lifestyles, promote youth engagement through sports, and provide a safe, green environment for all families to enjoy,” Minister Ramraj added.

The minister expressed satisfaction with the progress and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering quality, people-centred infrastructure that enhances the lives of Guyanese and strengthens ties of friendship and development.

Once completed, the park is expected to become a major attraction in Region Three, offering families, youth, and sports enthusiasts a modern, eco-friendly space for recreation and community engagement.

Minister Ramraj was joined by the management team from the Protected Areas Commission, technical officers from the Ministry of Public Works, and contractors working on the project. He emphasised that the government remains committed to infrastructure development as a driver of social inclusion, economic growth, and national unity.