Followers of this column will know I’m always preaching that we should, whenever possible, present both sides of the coin when we’re discussing issues in the homeland; that as we take time to rightfully criticize the shortcomings, we should also be pointing to the good news happenings as they occur. So after my column last week, ‘Getting it badly wrong,’ which featured some examples of our failings, I’m taking some time today, heeding my own sermon, and bringing you some instances of folks ‘getting it right’ in Guyana.
An example came to light this week in a front-page photo in Kaieteur News showing the upper-level S & R car park in Parika. Built over a year ago, it’s the brainchild of Shureen Kunjbehari, although some of her family were lukewarm to the idea. “I thought it was a good move – parking is tough around Parika – so I went ahead, and frankly I have no complaints.” It’s named for Shureen and her grand-daughter Reya. In its construction, the steel and concrete foundation was built strong enough to eventually be expanded upward, and it was left to settle for two months to make it rigid. “The structure can now take two more levels with the present foundation, so eventually if some other investor is interested to join with me we can expand,” said Shureen. Parking costs $500 for 12 hours and business is encouraging. In a time when vehicle sales are high, and parking is becoming more difficult, Shureen’s venture is an example of somebody away from the big city who is getting it right in providing answers to the parking problem. The once sleepy village of Parika is showing Georgetown the way.
Miles from Parika, on the Ogle Airport Road, businessman Andrew Juman is setting an example, as well, in his sign-making business place, Andrew’s Art. In an environment where many business places are showing neglect, Andrew’s premises stand out for the immaculate condition of the building and the grounds. The workers in his company are constantly involved with painting and maintenance work (the building and fences always look freshly painted) and the
