WHEN Anthony Xavier was Minister of Hydraulics and Transport he had initiated a system whereby residents of depressed communities were paid by his ministry to clean up their environment. Several businessmen assisted in this initiative.

Readymix Concrete Ltd had graded and sand-filled the Independence Boulevard in Albouystown which had, prior to this face-lifting exercise, been used as a mountainous dumpsite from end to end.

This exercise enabled the children and youths of Albouystown and surrounding communities to have a play area that was clean and free of cost. Community activities were also held there and for the first time Albouystown hosted its own Mashramani activities.

The fun and frolic involved all ages and continued into the wee hours of the morning. Most importantly, the exuberance displayed and the spirit of camaraderie was overwhelming and there were no incidents that marred the occasion.

Over the years the Guyana Police Force has also been involved in community-care exercises which, unfortunately, receive scant mention in the media.

Minister Xavier’s initiative had achieved several things – a rebirth of pride in the respective communities, a resurgence of the community spirit, and a feeling of self-respect in people who were afforded opportunities to earn a dollar the decent way, while simultaneously taking responsibility for the enhancement of their own environment.

The consequences of climate change and consequential flooding is compounded by our drainage systems, which are always clogged with refuse – most often non-biodegradable. The impact to the nation’s health, and the national exchequer as a natural progression, could be minimised if the laws governing garbage disposal are enforced.
Many owners of private properties, especially on the East Coast of Demerara, have dammed waterways solidly in order to have more real estate added to their properties.
These actions, however, have exacerbated the drainage problems in these areas.
Unless these waterways are once again cleared to facilitate the free flow of water, as existed previously, there will always be unmanageable flooding on the East Coast of Demerara.
If the Government provides the heavy-duty equipment needed, the citizenry in collaboration with the GDF – which is provided lavish funding from the national exchequer but with no visible duties to the nation, provide the manual labour, and the private sector provide the guidance and some subsidiary funding, then inimical threats to Guyana’s environment could be minimised, if not eradicated.
The Government’s “Clean-up-my-country campaign” was hugely successful, but such an initiative needs sustainability to have any long-term effect.
Many persons have indicated their willingness to provide resources, including manpower to assist in such an initiative, so what are we waiting for?