By Stabroek News

Copyright stabroeknews

Dear Editor,

Subryanville residents continue to be deeply concerned about the Government’s lack of action to stop the occupation of the Farnum Playground. Farnum Playground was gifted to the community which is residential. Farnum Playground consists of 24 prime house lots and the Government so far has not objected to the occupation of 10 to 12 of these lots for the construction of buildings for use by the private Mae’s Schools.

The public learned following the tragic March 2025 fire that the business consisting of four schools and reportedly about 2000 learners was not insured. However, the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), which never maintained the ground, quietly granted businessman David Sugrim permission to use Farnum.

The M&CC granted the permission without consultation with residents. The M&CC granted this permission without the formal application and approved plans. The M&CC granted permission to David Sugrim as owner although the Transports of the burnt properties are not in his name and to date the Mayor has refused to provide proof of ownership to residents or how Mr Sugrim owns Mae’s’ 4 Schools.

Since the March 2025 fire, Mr. Sugrim has rebuilt a 3-storey structure on one of the 3 lots from the burnt structure in breach of building by-laws and boundaries; and occupied 10–12 lots of the Farnum playfield with prefab buildings with concrete columns estimated to contain more than 80 rooms.

The green grass of Farnum has been replaced with sand and concrete.

At a meeting on September 9th, 2025, the Mayor, Councillors for the Kitty/Subryanville area; and City Engineer admitted: the M&CC did not consult the residents before granting the permission

the M&CC did not grant permission for the structures which Mr Sugrim is constructing on Farnum

the M&CC did not receive any written application or plans.

Yet instead of enforcement in breach of all the laws and regulations, the Mayor and City Council now proposes to extend occupation from 12 to 19 months and even allow a second storey on the illegal structures.

This situation raises troubling questions: How can a private business expand unlawfully on community land with the knowledge of M&CC, CH&PA, the Ministry of Education and Environmental Protection Agency? Why are children being taught in unsafe, uninsured, unapproved buildings? Why are residents’ rights being ignored in favour of private profit?

Farnum is community land which residents have been maintaining/weeding for over 3 decades. It is not the property of any businessman. The Ministry of Education has not responded to the calls of how they are approving the establishment as a school. The Central Housing and Planning Authority has not responded as to how they intend to enforce the zoning laws. We call on the Government of Guyana, through its various regulatory bodies to enforce the laws of Guyana, remove the illegal structures, and restore Farnum to its rightful purpose: a safe, green space for all.

Children must not be used as pawns. Residents will not be silenced. Farnum must be available to the community and footballers who use the ground. There is further destruction by parents driving vehicles onto Farnum, including the football field, and with trucks loading materials for the construction. The Ministry of Sport is constructing a pavilion on the Western section. The Ministry’s construction has interfered with a Samaan tree. The Samaan trees in Guyana are part of our green heritage, and provided shade for many people and contributes to Guyana’s Green Development aspirations.

We urge citizens to be vigilant, to protect and nurture the public green spaces which are essential for our communal well-being and development.

Yours sincerely,

Elizabeth Deane-Hughes

Vidyaratha Kissoon