THE Georgetown Green Volunteer Corps initiated by the City Council, has commenced cleaning all community recreational grounds in the city. The group has already cleaned community playgrounds in Roxanne Burnham Gardens and East Ruimveldt.The volunteer group includes private citizens and the business community. They have removed overgrowths of bush from these grounds, and it is estimated that $500,000 was expended to clear both grounds, with monies coming from the M&CC coffers.

Meanwhile, the City Council has commenced a programme to reclaim its verges, parapets and other open spaces in Georgetown. And the council is working to clean and clear all recreational parks and grounds under its control.

Many parks and other recreational facilities in Georgetown have been neglected for many years because of lack of funds. Some of the recreational facilities were handed over to community groups for management over the years but many of these groups have either become defunct or dysfunctional, so the grounds were not cleaned and maintained.

The Council has acknowledged the need for restoration of all playgrounds and parks as these facilities have a number of social, economic and health benefits for the populace.

The parks and community grounds promote social cohesion and encourage youth involvement in sport. Moreover, a well-kept park in a community increases property value.

Town Clerk Royston King said the Green Volunteer Corps gives citizens the opportunity to be a part of the restoration and transformation process in the city.
Meanwhile, the council has resuscitated its sport and culture group which was dormant for many years. (Michel Outridge)