OUR physical environment requires more than just being thought about. It is for this reason that using development premised on technological advancement, making money, and considering the Gross Domestic Product as the yardstick upon which a country is assessed to be poor, developing or developed is now seen as outmoded.

The world has entered a phase wherein development requires sustainability, which is largely hinged on a relationship between man and the planet.

In respecting the planet — which is a component of Sustainable Development that falls within the Green Economy — the Georgetown City Council, in collaboration with Central Government, commenced a programme called “Clean and Green”, which has seen the removal of massive amounts of garbage and derelict vehicles from around the city. The development taking place on the Merriman Mall, the reserve along Mandela Avenue within the vicinity of East Ruimveldt, and in Durban Park are encouraging signs that activities are not centred only on garbage removal, but also cater to improving the aesthetics of the city by planting trees, which also contribute to reduction in the destruction of the ozone layer.

Having examined the thrust of what is taking place, and being conscious that there has been established a National Task Force Commission (NTFC) headed by Major General (Retd) Joe Singh which has responsibility for the project Restore Guyana, one needs to examine same.

This task force has within its remit the responsibility to achieve six goals, namely:
Drainage; Traffic management; Solid waste management and derelict vehicle removal; Rebranding of Guyana through the restoration of ethical, attitudinal and responsible social and environmental behaviour by all citizens; Sustainable urban, rural and hinterland physical structure renewal; and Welfare management of the homeless, addicted and mentally challenged.

It is interesting to note the wide spectrum for which the NTFC has been given responsibility. If given the resources and allowed to operate within the confines of the laws and conventions, this project can significantly transform Guyana into a country that would be a model for the Green Economy.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, published on 31st August 2015, Joe Singh succinctly explained the problems of flooding on the East Coast, and put in context the role the Hope Canal will play and the reason for the problems at Buxton whenever it rains. Singh went on to explain the role of the NTFC as it relates to river and road transport, among other things. For a more intimate understanding of the vision, scope and responsibility of the NTFC, citizens are encouraged to read the article. “Gov’t rolls out Project Restore Guyana –to transform social, infrastructural development by 2020 – Major General Joseph Singh appointed Chairman of Task Force Commission.”

Georgetown, an old city, is required to bring its environmental standards in line with the Cartagena Convention (adopted 1983), which deals with environment in the context of waste management. It fosters the establishment of sewage plants, bringing to an end construction of septic tanks and the disposal of human waste in the waterways, such as the Atlantic.

There are several benefits man and planet can derive from compliance with the convention, some of which are highlighted:
* Reduction of diseases through the removal of harmful pathogenic organisms that would otherwise end up in the ground waterways if remained untreated;
* Treated waste can be converted into manure/liquid fertilizer;
* The international tourist community would be comfortable in making Guyana a major destination, given compliance with the convention; and
* Creation of new employment (green jobs) and other economic opportunities.

If we, as a nation, are serious in upholding our social responsibility in the international community, the Cartegena Convention, which was due for implementation since 1986, requires strident measures to bring us up to speed with other nations.

The fact is that Guyana has been woefully lacking in upholding this convention. Compliance will not only elevate this society, but would also mean that citizens would be exposed to a healthier environment and an improved quality of life, and the planet would get a boost in sustainable development.

In directing attention to this convention, I have been advised that Cevons Waste Management (CWM) is currently establishing a Processing Plant on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown. This is commendable from many standpoints. What is striking, as I reached out to Morse Archer, CEO of CWM, is that he is enthusiastic about his vision/project and the premium he has placed in the benefits the country can derive from the plant.
Here is a citizen who has taken the initiative to put Guyana on the path of compliance with international standards.

The realisation of this initiative requires support of stakeholders, principal among whom are the citizens, local government/city council, central government, Guyana Water Incorporated, and the NTFC headed by Joe Singh. Such collaboration is required since the people and their agencies play pivotal roles in the realisation of the Green Economy, of which projects of this nature are a strategic component. Archer’s ideas are brilliant, and I am confident that when others are educated on the convention and Green Economy, this project will be given the opportunity to come to realisation.