The Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens, a popular leisure destination among Guyanese, is situated on Vlissengen Road at the junction with Regent Road. The Gardens, about 75 acres in area, is meticulously divided into the Parklands, the Flower Garden, the Nursery, the Director’s Compound and the Zoo. Needless to say, the flora consists of exotic, indigenous, ornamental, economic and often rare plant life. Among the other interesting sites in the Gardens are the Band Stand, the tomb of Sir David Rose (the first Guyanese who was Governor General), and the mausoleum containing the tomb of Forbes Burnham, Guyana’s first President. The Zoo contains a variety of Guyanese wildlife. One may feed the manatees in their natural setting, view the alligators in the canals or see and hear birds in their natural habitat and in cages.

The Promenade Gardens

The Promenade Gardens is situated below Carmichael and Middle Streets and Waterloo and New Market Streets in downtown Georgetown and opposite the State House. The Promenade Gardens were formerly the site for hanging slaves. In 1987, the Band Stand was constructed as a Diamond Jubilee Memorial to Queen Victoria.

The National Park

The National Park, described in an earlier chapter, is located along Carifesta Avenue. It has a seating capacity of almost 12,000 to accommodate attendees at major events, which are held there. It was here that the first official raising of Guyana’s flag took place on Independence Day in 1966 and where CARIFESTA (Caribbean Festival Of Arts) was first staged in 1972.