THE Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment’s “Operations Safe Parks” initiative, on Saturday last, received two golf carts from Managing Director of G-Star Mining and Exploration Company, Azeem Baksh, which will be used to ‘beef up’ security at the Botanical Gardens and the National Park. Natural Resources and Environment Minister, Robert Persaud, speaking at the handing-over ceremony at the National Park, said there has been a level of deterioration of public facilities and called on society to change this culture and to come on board with the ministry in beautifying the ‘garden city’.
“This venture is the type of service that is required from the wider public. You cannot only complain about the negative things around us, but what will make a difference is if we join hands and work together,” he said.
Minister Persaud also threw out a challenge to society to move away from the blame-game and called on corporate Guyana to join the efforts to beautify the capital city and to ensure that facilities which were rehabilitated and constructed are not vandalised.
“When we invest, it is for the use and convenience of all. As such, it is not to be violated and vandalised by persons who feel that government should not be doing such work,” Minister Persaud said.
Meanwhile, Baksh stated that the decision to donate the vehicles stemmed from an incident which occurred in the Park in August of this year. “Security in and around these facilities is crucial and as such, these vehicles are essential…the company is pleased to be associated with the development and beautification of Guyana,” he said.
Since the initiation of the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry in November 2011, much work has been done to ensure that the capital city is returned to its  glory days, and through collaboration with partners, several projects have materialised.