By Rabindra Rooplall

PRESIDENT David Granger and several international speakers and agencies are expected to participate in the Green Conference and Expo to be hosted from October 31 – November 1, 2015.The programme seeks to encourage eco-friendly practices by promoting various conservation methods, domestic and commercial. It will target the energy sector, manufacturing, food and beverage distributors, electrical, construction and mechanical services, mining, health and waste management, among other areas.

According to communication liaison for the event, Zena Henry, the Mayor & City Council (M&CC) has embarked on a new approach in its efforts to rebrand, renew and revitalise the city of Georgetown and its image.

She said that based upon a ‘Presidential Order’, the country is pursuing its developmental programmes within a green framework and environmentally friendly atmosphere.
“Since the ascension of the current Administration, a serious position has been taken to restore the capital Georgetown and other regions, to promote a ‘clean and green environment’.”

This approach was further emphasized in the 2015 Budget entitled, ‘A fresh start to the good life in a green economy.’ Henry said that the M&CC recognises the importance of this direction and the potential benefits of operating in a green environment, with the focus on human and environmental health and prosperity.

In that light the M&CC, as the capital’s keeper, deems it essential to take the lead in promoting the advancement of an eco-friendly, sustainable city, and has put forward a number of ideas and programmes to boost this eco-challenge.

“Georgetown’s aim is to become the most eco-friendly city within the Caribbean and South American region; and to be a model city for those seeking to attain green development,” she declared.

Acknowledging that public support and acceptance is key to achieving such goals, Henry said, “we understand the necessity of restructuring citizens’ perceptions on the benefits of developing and maintaining a green economy because they are most affected. It is for this reason that the Georgetown M&CC has focused immensely on public eco-friendly re-education programmes.”

While the Council has commenced physical repair of the city, on an educational front it is introducing the first of many such programmes like the upcoming ‘Green Conference and Expo’.

The Council has partnered with prominent branding and advertising company, Impressions, in the ongoing ‘Green City Campaign’. Impressions is a major force in the creative and branding sector having been in the forefront of many expos such as GuyExpo, Building Expo, CPL cricket and Festival Guyana, among others.

Henry said the conference will be held in the beautiful Promenade Gardens, while the expo is at Parade Ground, both venues located on Middle Street, Georgetown.

The conference will start a national discussion that raises awareness on the present state of Guyana’s green potential, to sensitize stakeholders on the M&CC’s green campaign and to establish partnerships in prompting and maintaining a ‘clean and green’ environment.

OFFERS FOR PARTICIPANTS
Participants have the opportunity of choosing from three support levels – Gold to Bronze sponsors.
The Gold supporters will pay $1M for a 40ft X 40ft ground space, equipped with a 20ft X 40ft tent. Impressions will provide unlimited branding on the ground, with logo and advertising materials, while the agency receives a green city plaque of appreciation and is entitled to one year’s free usage of the council’s new ‘Green City’ logo for various company’s promotional and public relations purposes.

Silver supporters who contribute $500,000 will receive a 20ft x 20ft tent, limited branding on the ground with logo and all advertising materials. Silver sponsors will also receive a green plaque of appreciation and one year’s free usage of the ‘Green City’ logo for the company’s promotional and public relations purposes.

With financial support in the sum of $100,000, Bronze sponsors are entitled to a 10ft x 7ft pre-fab booth, complete with tent, flooring and electrical fittings. They are entitled to one year’s free usage of the council’s ‘Green City’ logo for the company’s promotional and public relations purposes.

Meanwhile, on the ground a 8ft x 8ft space will be available for food and beverage vendors, gaming agencies and photo booths, among others for a contribution of $15,000. In addition, fast food agencies will contribute $50,000 for a space.

The Green Conference and Expo will be an annual event, supported by the Government of Guyana. The council encourages all interested parties to make early reservations. Also on board is the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Communities and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), among others.