Georgetown, Guyana — September 9, 2025
Residents of Subryanville are voicing strong objections to the construction of Mae’s School facilities on the eastern portion of the historic Farnum Playing Field, raising concerns about transparency, public access, and the long-term implications of leasing public spaces to private businesses.
In a letter sent to the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), the residents outlined a series of grievances, citing the council’s legal and civic responsibility to protect the public’s right to “free and full enjoyment” of the recreational ground, which has served generations of footballers and community members. The field, named after former Kitty & Alexanderville Council chairman Cecil Farnum, is widely used by clubs from Kitty, South Ruimveldt, Agricola, and other communities across Georgetown.
At the center of the controversy is Mae’s School, which was granted use of a section of the playing field following the destruction of its previous facility in a fire linked to unresolved electrical issues. Residents argue that the school, a for-profit institution, has no right to occupy land traditionally set aside for community recreation.
“This is an actively used public space, recently upgraded with lights and perimeter fencing by the Ministry of Sports,” the letter stated. “Was the Ministry even consulted about this lease? Their programs and the community’s access to the ground are being disrupted.”
Photographs taken on September 8 show construction works edging dangerously close to the football goal area, raising safety concerns. Residents also criticized what they described as a “lack of duty of care” at the site, pointing to plastic debris and poor construction practices affecting surrounding drains.
The group is demanding:
- An immediate halt to ongoing construction at the eastern end of the playing field.
- Removal of all building material by September 10.
- Cancellation of all building and usage permits granted to Mae’s School or its representatives.
The matter has stirred deeper questions about policy. “Is it now a position of the M&CC to lease actively used public parks and playing fields to private-for-profit businesses?” the residents asked.
They noted that despite meetings with the Mayor on September 8, there remain unanswered questions about the legal status of permits granted to Mae’s. The group has indicated it will continue to push for accountability and plans to deliver hard copies of its objections to relevant offices within the M&CC.
As of press time, Mae’s School has not publicly responded to the residents’ objections. The Ministry of Sports, which was copied on the letter, has also not issued a statement.
The residents, however, remain adamant: Farnum Playing Field must remain a community space, not a private extension of a fee-paying school.
