THE Mayor and City Council (M&CC) has moved into high gear in preparation for its upcoming Green Conference and Expo. The three- day event is slated for October 30 to November 1.Zena Henry, the event’s Communication Liaison, told the Guyana Chronicle that the event will be one with a difference, since its main focus is on education and the re-education of citizens about the benefits of supporting and promoting green environments and business ventures.
“The conference encourages a national discussion on eco-friendly or green development. It seeks to attract all actors within the field of energy conservation, green- energy development and environmental conservation. It therefore means that many, if not all sectors within the country, are being called upon to play their roles, since they all affect the environment in some way,” Henry said.
The conference will receive presentations by various agencies. They include the diplomatic community, local mining and environmental agencies, and green- energy companies.
On the evening of October 30 and the remaining days of the event, the exhibition will cater for physical displays, when thousands are expected to come out to learn various conservation methods.  Major companies and agencies are eager to commence the re-education and awareness process with the different items and equipment they will be offering.
LED Guyana will be one of the major companies providing energy-efficient lighting for the event. They will teach citizens how they can easily get off the grid (GPL electricity) through solar power, while saving lots of cash at the same time.
“It is estimated that 50 percent of energy could be reduced using energy-saving materials such as the LED bulbs,” Henry said, adding that Republic Bank is on board and will be providing easy loans for persons wanting to acquire energy-saving equipment.
National Hardware, Service Guyana and Innovar are the other agencies that provide energy-efficient items. Citizens can save as much as 75 percent on their air-conditioning bills with energy-saving units and similar products. Windsor Estate, another exhibitor, will be promoting green products such as bamboo flooring and green household items, among others.
Outside of this, citizens will be taught how to care for their surroundings.
The Green Conference and Expo includes an entertainment component. “While the event seeks to be tempered with green enthusiasm, visitors are encouraged to look for our entertainment square, as many big names in local entertainment will be there. These include Nestor, Kwesi Ace, Chow Pow, Casual, the National School of Dance and Heatwave Band among others.
Foods, drinks and games for children will also be among the side attractions.
The Mayor and City Council has embarked on new approaches in its efforts to rebrand, renew and revitalise the city’s image. It is based upon a presidential order that the country undertakes its developmental programmes within a green framework and environmentally friendly atmosphere.
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.
“We are cognisant, however, that public support and acceptance are important to achieving our goals. We understand the necessity of restructuring citizens’ perceptions on the benefits of developing and maintaining a green economy, because they are most affected,” Henry stated.
It is for this reason that the council has focused immensely on public, eco-friendly re-education programmes along with the physical repair of the city. The council is working towards the Green Conference and Expo being the largest event in the Caribbean to attract regional and international stakeholders.