MEMBERS of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) met with the, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker and the “Clean-Up My Country” Programme Implementation Committee on Wednesday to begin talks with the private sector on endorsing the “Clean-Up My Country” Programme, and to engage the body in collaborative effort for sustenance of the programme. Chairman of the PSC, Ramesh Persaud gave kudos to the minister and his team for the implementation of the clean-up programme. The chairman also expressed concerns about the sustainability of the programme, and

assured the minister and his team that he will engage the members of the PSC in discussions as to how they can be of substance and support to the clean-up activities in the long run.
Whittaker told the members of the PSC and the Programme Implementation Committee that sustaining a clean environment is not only the obligation of statutory institutions, but a collaborative relationship between municipalities, private sector and the people of the communities.
He called on the PSC to become an agent of enforcement for the payment of business rates and taxes that are owing to the Municipality by private businesses and to encourage business owners to furnish their premises with garbage receptacles.  Once businesses can recognise these concerns, it will be a step towards tangible solutions to the problem of improper solid waste management.
Also at the meeting were Collin Croal, Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development,  Lance Hinds, President of Georgetown Chambers of Commerce Inc., (GCCI); Patricia Bacchus, Councilor for the Private Sector Commission; Elizabeth Alleyne, Executive Director and Anneth Arjoon both representing the Commission; and members of the “Clean-Up My Country” Programme Implementation Committee.