MEMBERS of the Scout Association of Guyana (SAG), including a large contingent of youths, came out last Saturday to participate in the annual “Clean-up the World” environmental campaign being held under the theme “Our Place…Our Planet…Our Responsibility”.

This year SAG partnered with the Hand-in-Hand Group of Companies. The company provided a number of items to aid in the clean-up efforts and also participated in the event. The association welcomes this support from the company and is calling on the rest of corporate Guyana to embrace SAG in carrying out such initiatives, a press release said.
The large contingent participating in this year’s event included scouts from Suriname and visiting Scout Leader from the United States, Derk Anderson. The nature of the activities in Guyana in observance of ‘Clean-up the World’ is somewhat different from those in the US, according to Anderson. He pointed out that the hands-on approach in cleaning up the environment with SAG was exciting and a “truly rewarding experience.” He said he is pleased to be participating in Guyana’s clean-up efforts and is happy that he accepted the invitation to come to the country, not as a tourist but as a scout.
This is the sixth year SAG has participated in this exercise. It is part of a global movement that aims to inspire and empower communities around the world to clean-up, fix-up and conserve the environment.
On previous occasions, the scouts have done coastal clean-ups, tree planting and environmental education with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The clean-up exercise this year took place along Woolford Avenue between Camp and Albert Streets, and at SAG headquarters. Groups in Berbice, Linden, West Coast Demerara and Buxton also took part in the event in their respective communities.
SAG has been placing significant emphasis on the development of young people in Guyana over the years. The association has been encouraging parents to have their children become members, pointing out that the values and discipline scouting imparts benefit not only the young members, but the country as a whole.
“Clean-up the world” is one of the largest global environmental campaigns which mobilises an estimated 35 million volunteers from 130 countries. “Clean-up the world” is currently in its 21st year and is held in conjunction with the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), the release added.