THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) will be going full speed ahead in their efforts to restore Georgetown to its former glory.They have officially launched the much-talked-about “Green City” initiative and volunteer programme, with Mayor Hamilton Green declaring that the project is ready to make Georgetown clean and green.

Amidst an outpouring of enthusiasm manifested in applause and cheers, Mayor Green announced that through this initiative and from now on, a “zero tolerance” approach would be applied when it comes to anyone, regardless of their wealth or poverty, who compromises the drainage system, or litter or engage in any illicit activities in Georgetown.

During Thursday’s launching ceremony at City Hall, Mayor Green announced that through this initiative, volunteers will be selected to undertake a number of activities around the city, such as cleaning up, and public awareness when it comes to keeping the environment clean, and much more.

The volunteer initiative, he outlined, will be a sort of catalyst to bring about groups that will help to make Georgetown a “green place.”

He also announced an intention to implement a law that would prohibit anyone from eating food or consuming liquids in public transportation.

These activities would be implemented soon, because the “Green City” initiative is funded voluntarily by businesses and other corporate sponsors who have a vested interest in seeing this project to fruition,
Town Clerk Royston King said, “The initiative will be geared at cleaning up the city through a combined effort by the residents of Georgetown, managed by the Mayor and City Council.”

In order to make this initiative materialise, the M&CC is in urgent need of 1000 volunteers, who would be issued with identification materials, including tee-shirts and hats.
The objective of the volunteer initiative is to encourage volunteerism and to enhance leadership skills in communities.

Volunteers will be split into groups, and some will cover the public-awareness aspect; some the environmental counselling; some environmental leadership; and others practical work in the communities.

The volunteers, King highlighted, will benefit from being part of a new initiative — a national effort to improve the nation and utilise leadership and other skills. King revealed that the volunteers will receive certificates of participation to show that they were involved in a local practical initiative.

He reiterated his call for all interested persons to apply at the Town Clerk’s office located at City Hall. The required age for participation is 17 years and above.

Meanwhile, King emphasised that the children are not forgotten, but will have opportunity to participate in the schools’ initiative, which is expected to be launched soon.

By Navendra Seoraj