President Ali commissions Guyana-China Friendship Park

Apr 13, 2026 News

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…announces transformation of Georgetown Zoo, Botanical Gardens

Kaieteur News – President Irfaan Ali on Sunday, commissioned the Guyana-China Friendship Park in Region Three, hailing the project a physical manifestation of an “unbreakable” 54-year diplomatic bond. The president described the region as the vital geographic junction connecting the coast to the interior and Essequibo, noting that the park’s opening represents a “moment where a nation becomes a stage for destiny.”

The event, which featured cultural performances from the Berbice Delight, the National Dance Company, and Indigenous groups, served as both a tribute to the region’s diverse heritage and a celebration of the sovereign right of Guyana to choose its international partners.

The historical significance of the site was a central theme of the president’s address, as he traced the origins of the Chinese presence in Guyana back 173 years. President Ali detailed the arrival of 647 indentured immigrants in 1853 across three vessels, the Glentanner, the Lord Elgin, and the Samuel Boddington, noting that these individuals were assigned to various West Demerara plantations such as Schoonord, Pouderoyen, and Anna Catherina. He emphasised that the park sits on soil “watered by the labour and sacrifice” of those first souls, reinforcing the human thread that connects the two nations. In a poignant gesture, he also acknowledged the Vieira family, confirming that the site will continue to celebrate the name of Joseph Rudolph Vieira, who generously gifted the land to the people of Guyana in 1982.

Regarding foreign policy, President Ali reaffirmed Guyana’s strict adherence to the “One China” policy, describing it as a fundamental “pillar” of the nation’s international relations rather than a mere diplomatic posture. He reminded the audience that in 1972, Guyana became the first English-speaking Caribbean nation to recognise the People’s Republic of China as the sole legitimate representative of the Chinese people. The president characterised the relationship as one forged in trust and “polished by five decades of official cooperation,” noting that modern Chinese construction firms are currently reshaping Guyana’s coastline and skyline through infrastructure projects that “dignify” the friendship between the two states.

Ambassador Yang Yang, representing the Government of China, expressed great pride in the completion of the “China Aid” project, which took 18 months of intensive labour. He highlighted that the park’s design integrates Chinese garden aesthetics with local Guyanese wetlands, utilising durable, high-standard materials suited for the tropical climate. The ambassador emphasised the “people-centered philosophy” of the project, which includes diverse sports fields for basketball, football, and table tennis. He further noted that the park stands as a tribute to Guyana’s upcoming 60th Independence Anniversary and serves as a tangible result of the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-LAC community framework.

In a major shift to domestic policy, President Ali used the occasion to announce the Georgetown Zoo and Botanical Gardens Transformation Project. He stated that this investment would focus on recreation, education, and biodiversity, with the goal of making it a premier facility in South America. The project will involve the rehabilitation of water systems, modern zoo infrastructure, and the creation of elevated bridges and “cultural heritage walkways” that will connect to the city’s waterfront and commerce districts. The president promised that these works would commence shortly, delivering a facility that provides “value for money” and improves the quality of urban life for all Guyanese.

The president also delivered a defence of his administration’s development record, contrasting current progress with the “200 new taxes” he claimed were levied by the previous government. He extended an open invitation to members of all political and civil movements to join the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in its mission to build a unified Guyana.

Directing his comments to the residents of Region Three, he argued that their “conscience” should lead them to support the government based on the visible transformation of their environment, asserting that life under the current administration is “always better.”

Detailing a “tsunami” of regional investments, the president listed a series of massive projects currently underway in Region Three. These include the construction of the Del Conte Road, the four-lane highway from Crane to Parika, and the advanced design of a four-lane road to Wales. He also highlighted the Sand Hill Road works, the development of new port and marine facilities, and the commencement of 30,000 new homes. Furthermore, he spoke of the Wales Industrial Estate, which will house a gas-to-energy plant, a glass factory, a data centre, and Guyana’s first fertiliser plant, all aimed at creating thousands of jobs and generating hundreds of millions of dollars in business.

As the sun began to set over the new park, President Ali concluded by outlining future plans for a national stadium in Region Three, a private-sector-led housing development, and a municipal airport similar to the one at Ogle. He also mentioned the Vreed-en-Hoop Waterfront Development and the new Parika port, which he envisions as a gateway for Guyanese food to reach the “plates of the Caribbean.” The ceremony ended with a call for the public to “treasure and guard” the new Guyana-China Friendship Park, letting it stand as a “fierce declaration” that international cooperation remains the highest currency of diplomacy.

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• Botanical Gardens, Friendship Park, Georgetown Zoo, Guyana-China

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