GUYANA SHINES
Dump it in the Bin – Everybody can chip in!
THE diplomatic community in Guyana, in collaboration with civic partners, yesterday announced the launch of a new initiative, dubbed ‘Guyana Shines’, in recognition of Earth Day which was celebrated on Sunday last. Earth Day is celebrated each year, on April 22, in more than 175 countries, and aims to increase awareness and appreciation of the Earth’s natural environment.
This year’s Earth Day theme is ‘Using A Billion Acts of Green to Mobilize the Earth’.
And it is in recognition of Earth Day and the ‘Mobilize the Earth’ theme, that the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown, together with diplomatic and civic partners including the British High Commission, the Canadian High Commission, the European Union Delegation in Guyana, Conservation International, and Youth Challenge Guyana is initiating ‘Guyana Shines’.
According to a joint statement yesterday from the diplomatic community, issued via the US Embassy, ‘Guyana Shines’ will encourage and mobilize Guyanese communities to maintain a clean environment.

“Keeping Georgetown clean is important for Guyana and its people. It is necessary for good health and sanitation. It encourages tourism, supports biodiversity, increases property values, ensures clean waterways to avoid flooding, and improves the community spirit and quality of life,” the statement posited.

Guyana Shines will reach out to schools and communities to increase awareness of the harmful effects of littering and pollution and encourage individuals to make environmentally friendly decisions in their own lives and communities.
“We believe education is the first step to clean communities: if people, particularly young people, understand the importance of keeping their environment clean, attitudes and mindsets will change and the environment will shine,” the statement said.
It noted that knowledge without action is not enough. Guyana Shines will also support hands-on, clean-up projects within specific neighbourhoods of Georgetown. These projects will bring communities together in common action.
“Armed with garbage bags, gloves, and determination, our teams will work together with local groups – youths, schools, churches, and businesses – to clean up neighbourhoods and make them shine,” the diplomatic community stated.
“Working together, individuals, schools, businesses, and civic organisations can make a difference and set an example for others in their community,” the statement noted.

It said every individual has a role to play in keeping their own environment clean – Dump it in the Bin – Everybody can chip in!
“If everyone plays his or her part, we believe Georgetown will be transformed so the natural beauty of Guyana can shine forth again,” the statement said.
If your community would like to contribute to the global greening process, you can pledge your act(s) of green at the following site:  http://act.earthday.org/
If your school would like to participate in a worldwide environmental contest, share your greenings efforts at the following:  http://www.projectearth.net/