While there is continued discussion over what actually defines a community, for many people it is a sense of cohesiveness. For generations, communities have served a vital role in offering their members camaraderie and a support system. However, our society is quickly changing to one that is becoming more detached an effect often attributed to accessibility to communication and virtual technologies. This shift in the norm, is sadly resulting in the sense and value of community gradually being lost.

A stroll through most communities in the city and other parts of the country, will reveal a changed aesthetic. While in the past, the country-side conjured up images of wide open fields to play, animals grazing, trees providing shade, fresh fruits to eat, wide cool trenches to take a dip, and togetherness, today, this is a much removed from the sad reality caused by social, cultural and environmental changes.

Our capital city, Georgetown, was renowned for its pleasing aesthetic which earned it the name “Garden City” no doubt an acknowledgement of its wide tree-lined streets and avenues, and quaint Dutch colonial and Victorian architecture, reminiscent of its history. Today, many of these beautiful buildings have either been replaced or are in disrepair, while keeping the avenues and streets uncluttered and canals free-flowing is a constant battle. But should we give up? Not at all! As citizens of this dear country, whether living in the city or country-side, the power is ours to return our environs to one that we can enjoy. To help you along, here are some steps you can take to get your community moving towards that fresh and pleasing look that will lure you outdoors to take a stroll, admire the architecture, smell the flowers, enjoy the breeze, reading a book on an outdoor bench and the list goes on…..

Getting started…
Assessing the needs of your community
First, you will need to assess your community by looking at what needs to be done and in what areas. Focus on facilities like parks, gardens, ponds, and playgrounds etc. that need attention. The best way to do this, is to form small groups with each group being designated a specific task. Take the opportunity to go on a community walk-through and speak to new and old members who have been there in earlier times, and may be able to provide pictures and traditional information on what the community was once like. This will also give you the opportunity to meet your neighbours while fostering inclusiveness.

Planning cleaning up and other restoration activities
After you have arrived at an idea or a rough outline of what and where works need to be done in the community, you should then start planning how you will do it. This will be one of the most important stages and probably a bit challenging, but the prospects are worth it. Approach your elected constituency representative in the City Council, Neighborhood Democratic Council or Regional Democratic Council with your plan of action. Convince the representative to take this proposal for consideration at the next meeting of Councilors. Your next step is to approach corporate businesses within your community. Since members of the community support these businesses, it is quite likely that they may be willing to give back to their customers and the community. Do not just ask for finances, but accept any form of help, whether materials such paint, tools and safety gear, manpower, clean-up machinery or meals for workers – whatever the gesture be thankful. Most importantly be accountable in this process especially with finances; people like to see their money’s worth and the community will like to see progress.

Beautification Ideas
Now that the planning is taken care of, here are some great ideas for restoration projects to help make your community playgrounds, parks, gardens, ponds and other open spaces beautiful and functioning again.

Planting flowers and trees
This idea will add a pop of color for residents and visitors in your community to enjoy. Choosing brightly colored blooms and planting them in old reusable containers like cans, tires, kitchen pots and pans, even an old bath tub will add interest, stimulating conversation on reuse – one of the 3 R’s of waste management.

Planting trees with wide canopies will provide not just beauty but other benefits to environment. Trees provide shade on sunny days; this will encourage picnicking. Trees also help to control erosion and pollution within that area by reducing runoff and anchoring the soil. Trees also help to filter the air of carbon dioxide and other pollutants making it healthier. Many species of plants and animals find homes in trees, so the more trees there are, the more birds and butterflies you can enjoy seeing in the environment.

Clean and clear old ponds and water ways
Rid the community of stagnant water bodies by clearing ponds and trenches. This action will make it difficult for vermin like rats and vectors like the mosquito to find breeding grounds in your community. Imagine how comfortable it would be to enjoy looking at the night sky without the nuisance of mosquitoes, or the worry of getting any dreaded mosquito borne diseases. So, organize the community to get working to clear drains and canals of debris that block the free flow of water. Not only is this good for the health of us humans but also for other water dwelling life-forms such as fish and tadpoles.
Have you ever wondered what causes the water in some ponds or trenches to become green and smelly? This occurrence is evidence of “algal bloom.” Algae are microscopic plants which grow and thrive in conditions where there are a lot of “nutrients.” The nutrients come from decomposing garbage, animal and human waste that find their way into our trenches, canals. The abundance of “nutrients” cause algae to grow and multiply quickly – hence the green slimy mass seen in polluted waterways. As the algae quickly use up the nutrients and oxygen in the water, they die and decompose – this is what leads to that terrible smell! We can save ourselves this discomfort if ponds and trenches are kept clear and free-flowing. This will enable fish to grow and thrive; would it not be great to be able to revive recreational fishing again in your community?

Enhancing community parks and playgrounds
Parks and playgrounds can provide recreation and fitness activities for members of your community. It is a great idea to get communities interested in activities such as track and field, running, long and high jump. To engage the children, cycling, swings and slides are good options to look at. This does not need to break the bank! Using reusable material can make it affordable – old tires, pallets and other durable materials can be used to safely enhance and develop the parks and playgrounds in your communities.
With these few ideas you will be well on your way to a better community. Once you are successful with these, you can try other ideas with your community members. It is important to inspire people to want to be a part of this movement for a positive change in communities. While engaging in these “physical” projects at the same time the spirit of community is being nurtured. Though your actions may be in your immediate community, the benefits of what you do also transfer to the region, country and globally. As always, the EPA is willing to assist you with ideas to get your project started and completed. We invite you to post your pictures to our Facebook page, Environmental Protection Agency-Guyana so that we can see the progress you are making in your community.

Share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com or you can contact the Agency on 225-5467-9.