MAN’S habitat is a major element in assessing his thinking and outlook in life. The environment within which we live, while comprising various facets, has been used over the years in making judgment about a society and its people. The programme that has been embarked upon in Georgetown and its environs by the administration, in an effort to have it cleaned and maintained, reflects the thinking not only of its leaders, but some sections of the general society.

We live in a time when the world places increasing emphasis on preventative healthcare, which is also a contributory factor to enhancing longevity. It is for this reason that a clean and healthy physical environment is equally important to one’s wellbeing and societal development. Bringing about this requires the involvement of both the managers and receivers of service to make sure that the end delivery benefits the whole and not a part or individuals.

Every citizen or visitor to Georgetown, conscious of health requirements, can collectively work to realise a healthy environment. It is important also that as citizens, visitor or resident, we cultivate a culture of environmental awareness and respect. This is not a case where this cannot be done, as evidenced in appropriate conduct when Guyanese visit other countries and conform to their environmental good practices. It is suggested that persons start cultivating the habit of tking g their waste with them to be properly disposed of in one of the public garbage disposal recptacles or at their homes.

Decisions will have to be made by both government (central, regional and local) and citizens to bring about a new level of consciousness and commitment. At the public awareness level, there is need for education– sustained, simple and visible — because what we are talking here is changing a behavioural practice that has become a bad habit.

At the formal level, educators can help in teaching students about environmental wellness and proper garbage disposal. It is known that at the nursery level, our educators impart knowledge on hygiene and etiquette, giving our children a very early start in taking care of themselves and being responsible citizens. Enhancing these appropriate life skills with environmental respect will help in moulding minds at a tender age. The family, too, has a responsibility to teach and practise environmental cleanliness.

Government has a responsibility to maintain and improve the environment by ensuring that garbage disposal is buttressed with deterrence. It is therefore noteworthy that recently, City Mayor Ubraj Narine proposed an increase in the fines for littering from $10,000 to $40,000. Such a fine will certainly minimise the tendency to litter. There should also be stiffer stronger by-laws that come with community service hours in a controlled environment, such as working with the garbage collectors. Georgetown, for years, has earned the unpleasant sobriquet as the garbage city, and strident efforts are being made daily to restore it to the Garden City, and hopefully being a model for other parts of Guyana. For this revitalisation to succeed, both citizens and government must play their roles.