…but taxes must be paid

Indisputably, the constitutional significance of May 2015 that heralded the historical change of government, also commenced an unprecedented groundswell of civic action on the part of citizens in the respective communities of the capital city that was soon to spread to rural communities and other parts of Guyana. Without any central direction, citizens willingly came together and began to rid their communities of garbage, a perennial source for complaint that had assumed national crisis proportions.
It was heartening to observe members of the corporate community, who not only took the responsibility for cleaning their immediate environs, but also adopted other sections of the City for this laudable exercise. Even the military did their duty in participating in an exercise that could not have commenced sooner. Definitely, the cue for this unprecedented sense of nationalism, begun with the then newly sworn-in President Granger, the then Mayor, Hamilton Greene and a team of officials, visiting the decades-neglected Independence Arch, and announcing its planned restoration from decades of neglect.
This symbol of our attaining nationhood in May, 1966, has since been restored, and was the focal point of a wreath-laying ceremony at the 2015 Independence Day observances, honouring the country’s heroes.

Then entered the former Mayor and City Council ( M&CC). Much to his credit, the then Chief Citizen, Hamilton Green is on record for consistency in his call for a changing of Citizens’ hazardous treatment of their communities, and his goal of restoring Georgetown to its former glory. His efforts and trials towards such an end are well known, and will not detain us here. Except to say that events since May 2015 have afforded the municipality much support from central government, in the execution of plans for this grand project of the restoration of the Capital City.
Against the background of a meeting between President Granger and high officials from the Municipality, at which he would have reiterated his “green vision” for Guyana, a well-defined programme towards this end was subsequently announced by the Town Clerk, Royston King. This initiative must be described as well thought out and comprehensive, for its scope, purpose and vision.

As would be expected, it began with encompassing the views of stakeholders and the general citizenry, since both the problem, and particularly the solution, emanates from the latter. And this has been best illustrated by the tons of garbage that had been removed from communities.
Let it be emphasized that our citizens must be reminded about the dangers of their city and its surrounding communities that had become filthy, and grown hazardous from years of insalubrious practices. It was a reflection of the many individuals whose personal hygienic and anti – environmental habits that had brought a capital city, once renowned for its pristine and scenic beauty, to shame, scorn and derision. Not to forget other contributing factors as well. We must all understand, and accept, that our communities, and by extension, our capital, is a reflection of our collective actions. Therefore, it is incumbent that all citizens engage in positive practices that will always advance our immediate environs. Such can only redound to a cleaner city.

At this time of writing, there seems to be some reminders, though on a very small scale, of littering in the form of plastics on some parapets and in drains. We hope that this is not an indication of a return to a once plastic choked city. Concomitantly though, it is evident that our capital city has undergone significant changes. Gone are the numerous garbage dumps and the smell of putridity ; canals and waterways have been desilted; parapets and reserves are better tended, with much of the jungle–like vegetation removed; the ugly sight of plastic bottles and Styrofoam are no longer strewn around the City. These changes are coupled with the fact that garbage is now removed in a timely manner, although there was the recent hiccup with garbage contractors.

Citizens must continue to desist from dumping and other unwholesome acts. Arising out of all this is the quicker draining of those parts of the City that have for years endured flood waters from voluminous downpours.

It is obvious, too, that City Hall’s grand initiative encompasses not only plans for a “green city”, but also the key plan for fostering cohesive communities, through which there will be a restoration of recreational parks and playgrounds, as is evidenced by the Merriman’s Mall project, and areas in Ruimveldt. This is indeed very commendable, since it will encourage conversations and dialogue among citizens for a better understanding of who we are as Guyanese, and the necessity of joining together in furthering the goal of a united Guyana. For it should be reminded that it is from communities from which citizens emerge for the component of the nation.

Let it be reminded of all that it takes money to pay for the daily sanitation of our city, as carried out by the M&CC. This means that citizens, especially from the business community, should pay their taxes when due. It is abominable that the commercial sector that owes the astounding sum in excess of $3B, can still expect the Municipality to remove their garbage. If less affluent citizens, especially the senior citizens who punctiliously service their civic obligations, can do so, then why does this social grouping continue to evade their responsibilities?

There can be no excuses for what we perceive is a deliberate flouting of this important observation of the City laws. It is instructive to note that although there have been many amnesty calls – many defaulters are known to ignore such. We can only conclude that this is a deliberate flouting of a plan that may assist such citizens. How shameful!
Let us all, as good citizens, continue to participate in, and support this grand design for a cleaner, greener city. This is not a one-off exercise, but a daily strategy that should be part of our daily lives. But it costs the City authorities moneys to perform daily sanitation and other maintenance functions. The latter can only be possible if citizens, especially defaulters in the business community, pay their share of taxes.