IT is a given that the political coalition between the A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) parties was historical, as it was the first time in Guyana’s political history that such a multi-party arrangement had been concluded, embracing ethnic unity as an electoral ticket for contesting national elections.

Of course, it carried the hopes and aspirations of the general constituents for a new day in the nation’s life. Its eventual victory at the now historic May 11 polls, and the joyful scenes that greeted the subsequent results, encapsulated in an unmistakable manner that a new chapter had at last been opened, and that Guyanese were prepared to be a part of this change, for the national good.
This again was reflected in the mammoth crowd that witnessed the swearing-in of David Arthur Granger as Guyana’s eight Executive President on that historic Saturday of May 16.
Unarguably, this significant event commenced an unprecedented groundswell of civic action on the part of citizens in the respective communities of the Capital city that was soon to spread to rural communities, and other parts of Guyana.
Without any central direction, citizens willingly came together and began ‘ridding’ their communities of garbage, a perennial complaint that had assumed national crises proportions.
It was heartening to observe members of the corporate community who not only took the responsibility for cleaning their immediate environs, but also adopted other sections of the City for this laudable exercise.
Even the military did their duty in participating in an exercise that could not have commenced sooner. Definitely, the cue for this unprecedented sense of nationalism, began with President Granger, the Mayor, and a team of officials, visiting the decades neglected Independence Arch, and announcing its restoration.
This symbol of our attaining nationhood in May 1966 has since been restored, and was the focal point of a wreath-laying ceremony on our last Independence Day observances, honouring the country’s heroes.
Now enter the Mayor and City Council (M&CC). Much to his credit, Chief Citizen Hamilton Green is on record for consistency in his call for a changing of Citizens’ hazardous treatment of their communities, and his goal of restoring Georgetown to its former glory. His efforts and trials towards such an end are well known, and will not detain us here. Except to say that events since May 11 have now afforded himself and his Municipal officers much support from central Government, in the executing of plans for this grand project of the restoration of the Capital City.
Against the background of a recent meeting between President Granger and high officials from the Municipality, at which he would have reiterated his “green vision” for Guyana, a well-defined programme towards this end has been announced and subsequently launched by the Town Clerk, Royston King. This initiative must be described as well thought out and comprehensive, for its scope, purpose and vision.
And as usual, it begins with encompassing the views of stakeholders and the general citizenry, since both the problem, and particularly the solution emanates from the latter. And this has been best illustrated by the tons of garbage that has been removed from communities.
Let it be said that it is citizens who must understand quite clearly the dangers of their city and its surrounding communities, that are filthy, and hazardous from years of dangerous practices that bespeak ill of some individuals whose personal hygienic and anti-environmental habits have brought a Capital city, once renowned for its pristine and scenic beauty, to shame, scorn and derision. We must all understand, and accept, that our communities, and by extension, our capital, is a reflection of our collective actions.
Therefore, it behoves all citizens to engage in positive practices that will always advance our immediate environs. Such, can only redound to a cleaner city.
It is obvious that City Hall’s grand initiative encompasses not only plans for a “green city”, but also the key plan for fostering cohesive communities, through which there will be a restoration of recreational parks and playgrounds. This is indeed very commendable, since it will encourage conversations and dialogue among citizens for a better understanding of who we are as Guyanese, and the necessity of joining together in furthering the goal of a united Guyana. Let us all, as good citizens, participate in, and support this grand design for a ‘cleaner, greener’ City.