THE Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), on Sunday, teamed up with the Soesdyke Neighbourhood Democratic Council, the Prime Minister’s Community Liaison Office, Guyana Defence Force (GDF), Guyana Police Force (GPF) and residents of the community to conduct a clean-up exercise from Timehri North to the Soesdyke junction.

According to a statement from the CJIA, the exercise was in keeping with President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s vision to improve and maintain the cleanliness of communities.

Also participating in the exercise were Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill; Minister within the Office of the Prime Minister, Kwame McCoy; Chairman of CJIA’s Board of Directors, Sanjeev Datadin and Director, Daun Ellis.

Commenting on the exercise, Datadin noted that the objective was to raise awareness, while promoting a safe and healthy environment.

He said: “I believe our objective for the activity has been met. I am pleased to see the number of persons, who turned out to support this cause. It shows that persons in the community are willing to make that first step towards enhancing their environment.”

Several businesses in the Timehri/Soesdyke area, including AGM Mining, Deals Unlimited, Nook’s Restaurant, Camille’s Academy, Mahase Sawmill, SD Investments, Bounty Farm and Rubis Gas Station, supported the exercise.

Chairman of the Soesdyke NDC, Bhupendra Deokie, said: “It was a major success…. I am looking forward to collaborating with the airport on more projects such as this.”

Meanwhile, Minister Edghill commended the initiative and emphasised the government’s zero-tolerance approach to littering and support of strong measures to deter such “unwholesome” practices.

“This is a commendable effort by CJIA and team and I am hoping that this will encourage a change in mindset and persons will become cognisant of the important role they play in maintaining their communities,” he was quoted as saying.

The clean-up campaign is part of ongoing efforts to enhance and beautify the Timehri/Soesdyke area.

Among the projects that will be launched shortly is the yard-front enhancement initiative where persons residing along the access road from the airport will be encouraged to spruce up their front yard.