The forsaken anniversary

Nov 04, 2023 Features / Columnists, Peeping Tom

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Kaieteur News – Yesterday was a historic anniversary in Guyana. And it went totally unnoticed.

It was on 3^rd November 1848 – 175 years ago – that the Demerara-Mahaica Railway was established.  The railway was the first railway in South America and was established less than 25 years after the first railway line was built in England.

The main terminus of the Demerara-Mahaica Railway was at Main and Lamaha Streets. The relic of that terminus is still there but in a deplorable condition. According to one source (Forgotten Railways, Roads and Places), the railway was constructed with the primary goal of linking the Demerara River and the Berbice River, facilitating the transportation of both goods and people. This railway project was a significant technological and engineering feat of its era, representing a tangible symbol of the economic and industrial advancement of the British colony.

Initially, when it commenced operation in 1848, the railway’s route covered only the distance to Plaisance. However, over time, it underwent a series of expansions, gradually extending its reach to Rosignol and ultimately stretching to a remarkable length of over 60 miles.

In January 2022, at an Energy Conference in Guyana, President Irfaan Ali announced that this old train station at Lamaha and Main Street would be renovated and converted into a food court and art gallery. Additionally, the plan extended to rehabilitate the green strip along the old railway line, from Main Street to Camp Street, later expanded to Vlissengen Road, by creating a safe recreational space for families.

The government moved with alacrity to develop the green strip that used to be the old railway line. But the vision of a safe space for recreation for families died because the surface of the strip was paved over and has since become a permanent car park. Perhaps for justifiable reasons, the renovation of the terminal building, has moved at a slower pace. But earlier this year, it was announced that the terminal would be converted into a tourist attraction.

President Irfaan Ali’s vision for the old train station had nothing to do with honoring the rich history of Guyana’s railway system. The PPPC government has never been known to pay too much credence to heritage. What it saw was a dilapidated train terminal and a green strip. And for the PPPC this was an invitation to build something on it regardless of whether what was built was aimed at preserving the country’s heritage.

As such, the plan was hatched for the conversion of the terminal into a tourist attraction by establishing a food court and art gallery. It would serve the large clientele of the nearby hotels. The green strip was envisioned as a place where families could relax and enjoy the outdoors.

It seems lost on those behind the project that yesterday would have marked the 175^th anniversary of the establishment of the Demerara-Mahaica Railway. The terminal should have been designated a heritage site and the old terminal should have bene recreated to reflect what it used to be before it was closed.

The building holds not only architectural but also historical significance as the main terminal of the Demerara-Mahaica Railway.  It could still have been a food court and art gallery but should have been restored just as City Hall is being restored. Guyana’s local politicians must recognize the importance of preserving and celebrating our rich heritage. The train station is not just a piece of land but a vital link to the past. By rushing to turn it into a tourist attraction without considering its historic significance, we risk erasing an important part of our history. We have the responsibility to safeguard our cultural heritage and share it with future generations.

As for railway line itself. there is a need to return to the vision of President Ali The asphalt overlay should be removed, and the greenery reinstated and the car parks shut down. The strip can be transformed into a lush recreational space, preserving its historical significance while providing a safe, family-friendly environment. Benches, walkways, and play areas for children could be incorporated, turning the railway embankment into a haven for relaxation and reflection. It is not too late to salvage the project, restore the train station to its former glory, and reclaim the green strip as a safe and family-friendly space. By doing so, we can celebrate our heritage and preserve our history for future generations, paying homage to the 175th anniversary of the Demerara-Mahaica Railway and ensuring that Guyana’s past is not forgotten.

(The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of this newspaper and its affiliates.)

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• advancement, Demerara-Mahaica Railway, Guyana, industrial, Peeping Tom

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