– to raise awareness on saving the environment
THE Ministry of Agriculture through its public awareness activities to encourage better community practices to improve drainage and to cope better with the effects of climate change, on Saturday last launched a song entitled “Turn back”  by  well known Caribbean singer Dave Martins.

At the launching at the LBI community centre ground, East Coast Demerara, Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud lauded the singer for his initiative and noted that the song adds to Government’s strategy in helping to curb the effects of climate change.

He urged citizens on the East Coast, especially those living in areas that are vulnerable to flood to be more responsible.

“The song is not imploring us to do sophisticated things, it’s just re-enforcing what should be done to keep the surroundings clean,” Minister Persaud said.

He also noted that Guyana continues to act responsibly in helping to mitigate the effects of climate change globally and can only continue if citizens become aware of their actions in helping to keep their communities and  the country clean.

A large part of Guyana’s economy comes from agriculture, according to Minister Persaud, and if sooner action is not taken by its citizens, large sections of population can lose their means of survival. 

According to a report from the Government Information Agency (GINA), Dave Martins said he was urged to compile the song because of the sore sight of styrofoam, plastic and paper in drains.

He said Guyana is a beautiful place and persons should keep their surrounding clean.

According to Martins, songs have proven to be the most impacting mechanism to send messages to the public.

He also interacted with residents, community drainage workers, and Neighbourhood Democratic Council officials.

Government has allocated funds in the 2009 Budget for development of waste management plans for the NDCs and public awareness and community participation.