Dear Editor
The Stabroek Redevelopment Project was presented as one which would fulfil and surpass the need for a developmental project that would preserve Stabroek Market making this venerable market and its environs vastly attractive to both Guyanese and visitors, an admirable improvement to be proud of.
It will become an attraction if that much money is spent on refurbishment and infrastructure. What it will sacrifice is the essence of Guyana culture. Will the improvement celebrate Guyana’s people and culture? I think not.
The chrome and glass concept of development especially if it is juxtaposed with a national treasure which Stabroek is suffocates and demeans Stabroek and presents Guyanese as imitators instead of innovators with a very poor concept of identity.
What does Guyana have that can be used: green heart, purple heart, a unique market with a river frontage. Stabroek itself is a treasure of smells and varieties. Where else is there a market offering such wonderful ‘native’ experiences? So what is wrong with the street vendors? Keep them there but design colourful stalls with fretwork which many of Guyana’s buildings use for decoration. Celebrate the street culture; do not kill it. Ask for a dress code for vendors, as colourful as their stalls. Extend shelter over where the water taxis come in so that getting off the boats becomes a dry rather than wet experience. Create the ideal plaza with flowers celebrating Georgetown as the garden city.
Think, think, think. Open designs to Guyanese artists. Celebrate the culture.
If Guyana is not vigilant the small population will be swallowed by imitators intending to turn a dollar no matter what. Those developers do not listen to public opinion.
I am saying a loud ‘no’ to the Stabroek project as conceptualized. The glass and chrome improvements will drown the Guyana spirit. Once it’s up, it’s up. So stop it before it starts. Guyanese need to speak up.
I was born at Santa Rosa, spent my early years at Barama Mouth, went to school at Mabaruma and then St Joseph High School in Georgetown. I am a retired Secondary School Principal in Trinidad. I have a Guyanese soul.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address supplied)
