MEMBERS of the Scouts Association of Guyana took to the streets on Saturday, September 15, to participate in the annual ‘Clean Up the World’ environmental campaign.

This year, the scouts cleaned the parapets and roadway along Woolford Avenue, between Camp and Albert Streets, Georgetown. Additionally, groups in Berbice, Linden and West Demerara undertook similar activities in their respective communities.
District Commissioner of the Scout Association, Dominique Van Sluytman, said this is the fourth year that the scouts have participated in this event, and that the event is part of a global movement that aims to inspire and empower communities around the world to clean up, fix up, and preserve the environment.
“As the largest and oldest youth organisation in Guyana, we are very proud to be a part of this global movement, and hope that our participation serves to encourage communities across the country to be conscious and protective of the environment,” she said.
Van Sluytman pointed out that while the major clean-up takes place globally in September of each year, the objective is to encourage the public to adhere to environmentally-friendly practices throughout the year.
‘Clean Up the World’ is one of the largest environmental campaigns in the world. It mobilises an estimated 35 million volunteers from 130 countries. ‘Clean Up the World’ is currently in its 20th year, and is held in conjunction with the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP).
In recognition of this campaign, the association has also undertaken various activities which have gone beyond cleaning up the environment.
“Previously, this had taken the form of coastal clean-ups, tree planting exercises, and environmental workshops for all sections,” Van Sluytman said.
The theme for this year is “Our Place…Our Planet…Our Responsibility.”