IN their efforts to combat the illegal dumping of solid waste along Mandela Avenue during last year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the Litter Enforcement Unit is currently conducting stake-out exercises within this littering hotspot. According to the agency, through a statement released yesterday, residents within East and West Ruimveldt areas are advised that identified polluters will be fined $50,000 and issued a Clean-up/Litter Removal Order.

The statement further disclosed that investigations done at this ‘hot-spot’ on February 19, 2015, revealed the identity of several residents who were caught committing the act of improper solid waste disposal. These persons were: Mr. Lynden Colin Shipley of East Ruimveldt, Mr. Nicholas Jermaine Cameron of East Ruimveldt, and Ms. Grenda Smith of West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme. “The Agency intends to take legal action against these individuals and others found littering and illegally dumping,” the EPA admonished.

TARGETED APPROACH TO ARREST OFFENDERS
Meanwhile, the agency disclosed that during the month of February, Clean-up Orders were issued to Tejram Lall (WCD), Ravindra Shivpersaud (Plantain Walk, ECD), Fedel Gordon (WCD), Kodvatalli Ramujohn (WCD), G. Basdeo (Hadfield Street, Lodge), Jagnarine Singh (Better Hope NDC Chairman), Hardeo Ganpat (ECD), Adrian Desouza (Campbell Avenue, Georgetown), Maxi Prince (Better Hope, ECD), Sharmilla Vishnand (Better Hope, ECD), and Mr. Amin (Success, ECD). Further, two Litter Removal Orders were issued to Mr. Devon of Better Hope, ECD, and A. Bacchus of Success Gas Station Road, ECD.
CONTINUING THE CRACKDOWN ON CITY BUSINESSES
Additionally, it was noted that the Litter Enforcement Unit will continue to work closely with the Georgetown Solid Waste Management Department in tackling this prevalent issue of illegal dumping which continues to plague the city.
From their investigations, the agency was able to record Ms. Kamwattie Boodhoo of C&F Supermarket located on Regent Street as a polluter. The discovery was made through business documents including bills and statements at an illegal dump site at Church and Camp Streets.
Also, the dumping of construction waste was acknowledged by Mr. G. Basdeo of Regency Hotel Inc. who, the EPA said, “improperly disposed of the waste on the government reserve in front of Regency Hotel Inc.”
Both parties, they said, acknowledged their wrongdoing and were issued a Fixed Penalty of $15, 000, and a Clean-up Order to remove the waste in their respective areas.
THE FIXED PENALTY
To this end, the EPA reiterated that the Litter Regulations state that, “depositing litter in a public place and on other people’s property without their consent is a criminal offence.”
If found guilty, they said, fines ranging from $50,000 for individuals, and $100,000 for businesses must be paid; should an offender accept responsibility for their actions, a fixed penalty of $15,000 is issued which is to be paid within 10 days. “If the same person is caught a second time committing the same offence, then the fine attached to the offence is doubled,” the agency said.
To report cases of illegal dumping, contact the Litter Enforcement Unit on 600-0620, 219 2630, 225-0506, or email greenguyana@gmail.com.