By Svetlana Marshall

BARTICA is making steady progress in its quest to become the country’s first green town in keeping with President David Granger’s vision of a green economy.The Bartica Mayor and Town Council said since its installation following the Local Government Elections in March, it has committed to the five stages of the “Green Economy” outlined by the President on the first “Tree Planting Day” ceremony held in the town last October.

Sustainable exploitation of the country’s natural resources, environmental protection, promoting sustainable energy, promotion of sound ecological services and green technology were the stages highlighted by the President.

“The establishment of a municipal solid waste department and the continued transformation of the Byderabo Dump Site is testimony of our commitment of a cleaner, greener Bartica,” the Council said in a release.

Last October, President Granger, in his address to the people of Bartica, expressed the hope of having trees line the avenues, in addition to the establishment of parks, gardens and even a zoo.

“Today, one year later, Bartica will soon commission a park featuring a three-tier fountain, a beautiful garden, kissing bridges, benabs and most importantly, it will be a park powered by solar energy,” the Council stated.

Under the leadership of Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan, the municipality said Bartica now has a Local Economic Development Strategic Plan for the next 3-5 years.

“This short-to-medium-term LED Strategic Plan is fully integrated with Bartica’s green township plan, which carries a 15-20 year implementation period, and is led by the Ministry of the Presidency under Rear Admiral Gary Best,” the Mayor and Town Council explained.

The plans when implemented will transition Bartica into using fully renewable energy, sustainable organic agriculture development and establish Bartica as an information and communications technology centre of excellence, among other revolutionary changes.

“While these large-scale changes are taking place at the community level, there are still important steps that can be taken at the individual and organisational levels towards accomplishing these overall goals. It is in this context that the seemingly simple exercise of planting individual trees can take on such a profound meaning because as we all do these simple, individual acts, the cumulative effects of these will impact the aesthetics, appearance, and attractiveness of our community,” the Council said.

The Council emphasised that residents must play their part and contribute to the green transformation of the town, noting that the Mayor and Councillors cannot do it alone.

“The combined efforts of many residents doing their individual parts to bring us along this developmental journey should not be underestimated. If we all continue to do our individual parts to the best of our ability, together our efforts can be multiplied, we can achieve greatness for this town that we all call home.”