I TOOK a walk downtown Georgetown last Sunday and was very disturbed by the large amount of garbage seen in front of the stores as well as, in the drains. With the holidays almost over and the new school term about to begin, there seems to be an upsurge in business activities, especially for school supplies. However, as your rip open those boxes and bags to display or sell your products, more attention should be given to how you treat your waste.

The issue is not only in the business area because later, I took a walk to the Kingston seawall. My heart sank as I observe how this beautiful public space was marred with garbage. However, what was even more poignant was; vendors continued to ply their trade and patrons seems not to be bothered.

This article is a reminder, that littering is illegal and proper waste disposal is everyone’s responsibility. While the authorities have their role, we all have to take pride in our environment. Therefore, we will be reminding you during the month of September of Litter Enforcement Regulations.

It is an offence to litter a public place
Persons can be charged for littering in a public place. It should be noted that the absence of a waste receptacle is not an excuse. It is an offence to:
? Deposit litter in a public place;
? Deposit litter from a moving vehicle unto a public place; and
? Cause or permit persons to commit offences 1 and 2 above.
Any person/persons found guilty of any of these offences shall be fined a sum of between $50,000 – $100,000 or face imprisonment for three months.

It is an offence to litter on the premises of another person

Depositing litter on the premises of another person is an offence and persons found guilty shall be fined $30,000 or six months’ imprisonment.

Persons who litter a public place will have to clean it up

Persons who litter a public place will be required to remove their litter upon being given notice to do so. Further, Offenders will have to comply within three days of such notice.

Any person who fails to obey a notice given to remove litter from a public place will be fined $20,000 and an additional $5,000 for each day that their litter is left in the public area.
Look out for more on the Litter Enforcement Regulations and waste management during the month of September. Do your part to make Guyana beautiful.

Share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/o EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, Georgetown; or email us at eit.epaguyana@gmail.com.