$50M budgeted for Botanical Gardens, Kaieteur Park upgrades

As the National Assembly considered the 2016 Capital and Current Estimates for the Natural Resources Ministry, it was revealed that millions were set aside for upgrade works to be done at the Botanical Gardens, as well as at the Kaieteur National Park.

While fielding questions from the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Opposition, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman explained that a total of Gy$50 million was approved under the National Parks Commission for the restoration of the Botanical Gardens and recreation park.

According to the Minister, Government wants to restore the facility to its original intent of botany.

 “We would like to take it back to a place of botany, where people can come and see the different plant species that Guyana is famous for. Right now, it is more of a recreational park and not enough is being done on the botanical side, so we are going to change that up a bit,” he stated.

Among the works slated to be done are the construction of a Black Caiman walkway, rehabilitation of the plant nursery, rehabilitation of fencing structures, and improvements to drainage and irrigation structures.

Additionally, he pointed out that the money will also be used to upgrade the National Park, located on Thomas Lands, Georgetown, as well as the Joe Vieira Park, West Bank Demerara.

Furthermore, Trotman added during questioning by Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira that major upgrade works are also slated to be done at the Kaieteur National Park to attract more visitors, especially with Guyana’s 50th Independence anniversary coming up.

“We are going to be putting up some protective rails to act as deterrents to persons who have other thoughts in mind. We have already introduced a set of protocols like no alcohol, two guides at any one time, one in front and one at the back for every group. As we prepare for the 50th anniversary, we know that thousands of people are coming home; Guyanese and others and so we want to make sure Kaieteur is ready for them in its full glory,” the Minister noted.

Meanwhile, as the consideration of the Ministry’s estimates continued, Trotman was quizzed on the areas of contracted employees with the Opposition Chief Whip asking why Forest Officers were stationed at the Ministry and not at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

The Minister explained that this situation was inherited from the previous Administration. He read out one of the contracts, signed by the Ministry of Public Service on November 27, 2014, which stated that the employee should be stationed at the Ministry.

Trotman further disclosed during queries from Opposition back-bencher Neil Kumar that some Gy$8.95 million was budgeted for the employment of an oil and gas consultant to work with the Natural Resources Ministry.

He noted that this is important given the fact Guyana is embarking on developing its oil and gas sector. The Minister added that the terms of references for these personnel have already been prepared, and advertisements will be done both locally and internationally.

Moreover, Opposition MP OdingaLamumba had asked the Minister whether the 548 hectares of State land will be assessed and surveyed.

In response, the Natural Resources Minister declared that while this issue is a “vexed” one, his Administration has every intention of preserving whatever lands are left remaining.

Following the near hour-long scrutiny of the monies for the Natural Resources Ministry, the entire Gy$814 million budgeted was passed in the National Assembly and now stands as part of the 2016 Estimates of Expenditure.

This include the sum of Gy$219 million for the Ministry’s Policy Development and Administration; Gy$6.4 million for Natural Resource Management, and Gy$474.5 million for Environmental Management.