[www.inewsguyana.com] – The Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company (GT&T) responded to calls from the government to support the Three Parks Initiative to rehabilitate and modernise the urban green spaces which witnessed the recent commissioning of the Wakili Totem Pole in the National Park.
iNews understands that the totem pole was carved by Lokono Artist Mr. Oswald Hussein (Ozzie) which tells the ancient story of man’s abiding respect of the forest and all that it provides. The delicate balance which exists between man and nature is expertly captured in the hand chiselled characters, animals and spirit guardians depicted on the 20 foot tall Purpleheart pole.
According to Damian Fernandes, Commissioner of the Protected Areas Commission, the Totem Pole is the first installation in the “ART IN THE PARK” initiative.
He explained that initiative was essentially encouraging an artistic renaissance in the Parks; essentially utilizing our Urban Green Spaces (Zoo, National Park, Joe Vieira Park and the Botanical Gardens) to serve as a blank canvas as it were to the artistic community. Art in all its forms, whether Theatre, Painting, Sculpture, Poetry, Photography etc.; could be brought into the park for the enjoyment of all visitors.
Several organisations including WWF-Guianas have expressed interest in partnering with the PAC and local artists to produce installations; both permanent and temporary; within the Parks. The Wakili Totem Pole was sponsored by GT&T.
Several other local businesses such as Jetoo’s Lumber Yard, Rambarrans, AH&L Kissoons, and Kingdom Apiaries’ supported the project.
The Three Parks Initiative was launched by Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud and is part of a larger effort to rehabilitate and modernise the National Park, Botanical Gardens and Zoological Park.
Since its launch lights have being installed along the full cycle track of the National Park, walkways upgraded, playfields raised, internal drainage canals restored, security enhanced and other major infrastructural developments in the National Park, Botanical Gardens and Zoological Park.
