AN independent company will power Bartica using green energy as the David Granger Administration forges ahead with its plan to make Bartica the first ‘Green Town’ in Guyana.
Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams made the disclosure on Sunday, during a grand celebration in Bartica to mark its first anniversary as a town.
“The Government has already moved to ensure the execution of the Green Plan. For instance, plans are already in motion for this town to have an independent company to produce electricity using renewable energy, as we are looking to move away from our dependence on fossil fuel,” Minister Williams said to a cheering crowd.
The announcement comes at a time when the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) has been battling to keep the lights on in Bartica. The power plant, situated on First Avenue, Bartica, in the heart of the commercial zone, has been a sore issue, not only because of its inability to supply the more than 14,000 residents with reliable electricity, but due to the fact that it is a constant source of pollution.
The new project, which will see the town being powered by renewable energy, will be executed under the Public Infrastructure Ministry. Last year, the Government, through the Public Infrastructure Ministry, had signalled its intention to establish a solar farm in Bartica under a build-own-and-transfer (BOOT) structure, to supply 1.5MWs of power to GPL’s Bartica Grid, under a negotiated and agreed power-purchase agreement.
“Additionally, through the Office of Climate Change, Bartica was able to secure finance for renewable energy to power the Three Miles Secondary School as well as street lights,” Minister Williams added.

COMMITMENT
He noted that President David Granger’s charge in June 2015 to make Bartica the first green town was in keeping with the Government’s commitment to sustainable development by transitioning to a green economy.
According to the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), a green economy is “one that results in improved human well-being and social equity, while significantly reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities. It is low- carbon, resource-efficient and socially inclusive.” This definition, the Attorney General emphasised, encompasses all that the Government will do to improve the lives of all citizens by transitioning to a green economy.
“As Guyana transitions towards renewable, clean and cheaper sources of energy, it is the Government’s vision for Bartica to be at the helm of this transition,” he posited, while pointing out that the Green Bartica Development Plan was unveiled last year in keeping with that vision.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
“It is a comprehensive plan that will not only ensure economic growth in Bartica, but also contribute to the development of our country,” he explained.
To ensure the success of the Green Bartica Development Plan to be successful, there must be effective disposal of solid waste in an environmentally friendly manner, and according to the Attorney General, the Bartica Mayor and Town Council has made significant strides in this area.
“It is heartening to see the attention that has been given to effective solid waste management and on environmental protection awareness. Previously, residents had to contend with a poor solid waste management system, but the Mayor and Council’s rehabilitation of the Byderabo Dumpsite has no doubt brought residents relief,” Minister Williams said.
Additionally, he said the Town Council’s focus on developing green building standards is commendable, as this is needed to ensure that while development is taking place, the health of residents and the environment are not adversely affected.
“High praise must also be given to the Greening and Beautification Project, which includes the rehabilitation of the Band Stands and the Green Recreational Park. You must be applauded because in such a short time, this town has risen to the occasion and has achieved much. Your efforts must be emulated by other towns and I urge you to keep up the momentum,” he said to loud rounds of applause.
In offering his commendation, the attorney general encouraged the municipality to keep working as a team to execute the vision of transforming Bartica into a green town.
The Mayor of Bartica, Gifford Marshall; the Deputy Mayor Kamal Persaud and Regional Chairman Gordon Bradford were among the officials at the grand celebration which had hundreds of residents in attendance.