THE National Task Force Commission has taken its consultations to Region 2, where stakeholders were engaged on the Project Restore Guyana initiative that is intended to “re-brand” Guyana.
The session was spearheaded by Chairman of the Task Force Major-General (ret’d) Joseph Singh.  Present also were Secretariat Coordinator Dr. Sewnauth Punalall, newly appointed Regional

Executive Officer (REO) of Region 2 Rupert Hopkinson, Regional Chairman Davenand Ramdatt and Chairman of the National Toshaos Council Joel Fredrick. There were also representatives from the Anna Regina Town Council, the Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Non- Governmental Organisations, youth, and women.
The Co-operative Republic of Guyana ranks among the largest countries in the Region, with its massive 83,000 square miles and vast natural resources. However, while the nation is known for its hospitality and El Dorado, there is significant deterioration of many aspects of the Guyanese life, including unplanned settlements, inadequate traffic flows, garbage build-ups and occasional flooding in many areas.
Project Restoration Guyana was conceptualised by Cabinet and will be used as an instrument for re-branding Guyana as a place where Guyanese can be inspired to embrace change that sees persons from all sections of society working towards a wholesome environment and country. It is only by systemic changes in ethics, attitudes, behaviours and having a sense of responsibility that the restore Guyana project will be sustainable.
The project targets:
·         Drainage and traffic management
·         Sustainable urban, rural, and hinterland physical structure renewal.
·         Re-branding Guyana through the restoration of ethical attitudes, and responsible social behaviour by all citizens.

·         Solid waste management and derelict vehicle removal.
·         Welfare management of the homeless.
During his power point presentation, Major-General Singh outlined the goals and vision of the project. According to Singh, the mandate of the Task Force is to rehabilitate, restore and renew Guyana. He said, the vision is to restore Guyana as a land of attractiveness and prosperity and, “one which offers a good life for all citizens and visitors alike.” He commended the region for being on the top of the list in terms of sanitation. Singh however noted that there were deficiencies in some areas, and urged the regional administration to adopt the vision of the Task Force to further enhance the region.
The first phase of the project is to be completed by May 26, 2016, when Guyana will be celebrating 50 years as an independent nation. By September 2015, a report or summery of efforts is to be completed. By October a draft restoration plan including detailed plan and budget for phase one of the activities should be completed, and by November, the final restoration plan should be ready and this will be taken to Cabinet for approval. From November to May 2016, the project will be implemented and carefully monitored.
The Chairman of the National Task Force also used the opportunity to outline the Task Force’s mandate to the communities. ”You cannot have up to Anna Regina clean and when you go down to Charity, much is left to be desired. The schools, hospitals and other public offices must have a certain image. Your yard must have a certain image, and the national monuments must be enhanced and maintained,” Major-General Singh told the participants.

He further highlighted the issue of suicide in the region as “very alarming”, and called on the NGOs and churches to play a major role in this regard.
The stakeholders raised concerns regarding the poor communication service, the constant blackouts, drainage, poor road infrastructure and the need for more support from Government to boost tourism in the region. The solutions to many of the issues lie with the stakeholders, Major- General Singh said, noting that there is need for coordination, cooperation and volunteerism in this regard.
Project Restore Guyana is one of the earliest initiatives outlined by the coalition government and brings together government and all willing partners in civil society.