THE laudable initiative to involve communities in their own environmental enhancement while simultaneously creating jobs and providing avenues for the youths to be productively engaged was first mooted by Dr. Cheddi Jagan who, after becoming President in 1992, was faced with the daunting task of practically not rebuilding — because the destruction he inherited necessitated interventions way beyond re-building — but rescuing, then starting from scratch the restoration of every facet of existence that is so vital in a civilized society.
Tony Xavier, first PPP/C Minister of Hydraulics and Transport, had therefore been tasked to develop a system whereby residents of depressed communities were paid by his ministry to clean up their environment. Several businessmen assisted in this initiative.
Readymix Concrete Ltd had graded and sand-filled the Independence Boulevard in Albouystown, which, prior to this face-lifting exercise, had been used as a mountainous dumpsite from end to end.
The Government had provided the Mayor of Georgetown with millions of dollars, during Gail Teixeira’s tenure as Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, to build a recreational park for the residents of Albouystown, but this never fructified, and the money seemingly disappeared as if in thin air, with no one ever being held accountable.
This exercise that rehabilitated the Independence Boulevard enabled the children and youths of Albouystown and surrounding communities to have a play area that was clean and free of cost.
Community activities were also held there, and for the first time, Albouystown hosted its own Mashramani activities. The fun and frolic involved all ages, and continued into the wee hours of the morning.
Most importantly, the exuberance and spirit of camaraderie displayed was overwhelming, and there were no incidents that marred the occasion.
Over the years, the Guyana Police Force has also been involved in community-care exercises, which unfortunately receive scant mention in the media.
This holistic approach to community care has achieved several things:– a rebirth of pride in the respective communities, a resurgence of the community spirit, and a feeling of self-respect in people who were afforded opportunities to earn a dollar the decent way, while simultaneously taking responsibility for the enhancement of their own environment.
The consequences of climate change and consequential flooding are compounded by our drainage systems, which are always clogged with refuse, most often non-biodegradable. The impact on the nation’s health and the national exchequer, as a natural progression, could be minimized if the laws governing garbage disposal are enforced.
Many owners of private properties, especially on the East Coast of Demerara, have dammed waterways solidly in order to have more real estate added to their properties.
These actions have, however, exacerbated the drainage problems in those areas. Unless these waterways are once again cleared to facilitate the free flow of water, as existed previously, there will always be unmanageable flooding on the East Coast of Demerara.
With the current exercise, the Government has provided the wherewithal, with the citizenry, in collaboration with the joint services, providing the manual labour and guidance to the youths; and the private sector is co-operating in adjunctive efforts and some subsidiary funding. If this effort is maintained as a holistic approach, then Guyana would be a shining example for the world to emulate.
Brilliant civil engineer Mr. Bert Carter, and super-achiever entrepreneurs Mr. Bish Panday and Mr. Sattaur Gafoor, along with many others, have always indicated their willingness to work in the interest of their country – whatever it takes — and they have proven this time and again.
This programme should not peter out, but gain momentum, with citizens watching out for litterbugs and prosecuting offenders as well as naming and shaming them. Moreover, ways should be found to decrease the expense, such as spraying the parapets with chemicals to inhibit grass re-growth after warning residents, etc.
A resurgence of pride in one’s community and country would ultimately evolve to bind Guyanese in a holistic approach to national problem-resolution.
