–Cabinet leads from front; citizens urged to adopt responsible waste practices

CABINET ministers fanned out across the country on Saturday as the Government escalated its nation-wide clean-up campaign, with Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips leading a strong call for shared responsibility, while the National Enhancement Committee reported overwhelming public participation and tangible results.

On the ground, the Prime Minister positioned the exercise as more than a symbolic initiative, making it clear that Guyana’s sanitation challenges require sustained behavioural change and national buy-in.

“We need to play our part as citizens of Guyana in keeping our country clean,” Phillips said, stressing that communities across all 10 administrative regions must take ownership of their surroundings.

He warned against indiscriminate dumping, noting that poor waste disposal habits continue to undermine public health and environmental standards.

“You have to get the garbage… put it in some designated place where collectors will come and pick it up,” he added, highlighting the need for structured systems supported by responsible public conduct.

The Prime Minister underscored that while local authorities such as the Mayor and City Council, Regional Democratic Councils and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils have a role, the success of any clean-up strategy ultimately hinges on citizen cooperation.

Providing a broader national snapshot, the National Enhancement Committee said the exercise, executed under the direction of President Dr. Irfaan Ali, mobilised citizens, organisations, and the Joint Services across every region, resulting in the removal of massive volumes of waste.

In a statement, the Committee said the scale of the operation demonstrated “the spirit of collective action and national pride” that defined the initiative.

“Today showed exactly what Guyanese can accomplish when we come together with a shared purpose,” said Minister Deodat Indar, who chairs the committee.

He credited volunteers, private sector entities, and public agencies for providing equipment, personnel, and logistical support, noting that the wide-ranging collaboration reinforced the national character of the exercise.

The committee also highlighted the direct involvement of Cabinet members, describing their presence across multiple regions as a clear signal that environmental stewardship remains a top-tier government priority.

ENFORCEMENT TO TIGHTEN

Meanwhile, Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand signalled a decisive shift toward stricter enforcement, expressing frustration over continued irresponsible dumping.

Speaking at Sussex and Saffon Streets, Georgetown, the minister said the exercise was part of a nationwide initiative led by President Ali to clean up garbage across the country.

She expressed frustration over the condition of the area, pointing to what she described as irresponsible behaviour by some members of the business community.

“Look at this behind me. This is some unconscionable businessman that did this and we can’t keep doing that,” she said, pointing to a pile of garbage.

The minister said the burden of cleaning up after others was becoming unacceptable. “This is extremely irritating to me that we have to wake up at six o’clock and clean people’s rubbish because they have zero responsibility,” she stated.

Manickchand warned that stronger measures would be introduced to change behaviour and enforce accountability. “We’re going to have to really, really move very quickly, and I intend to do it,” she said, adding that authorities may adopt a system of penalties for offenders.

She further indicated that cultural change around waste disposal must be enforced. “It’s a place where people get charged for this, where we change the culture out forcibly, so that this is not what we look like anymore,” Manickchand explained.

The minister noted that existing legislation already provides tools to act against offenders, and these will be utilised more effectively moving forward. 

“We have laws now that can operate,” she asserted.

She stressed that the current cleanup efforts should not become routine. “This must be, if not the last, at least one of our last cleanups. This can’t be what we’re doing,” she added.

Meanwhile, former West Indies cricketer Marlon Samuels was among those on the ground for the national cleanup exercise, where he reflected positively on his experience in Guyana, and praised ongoing environmental efforts.

Samuels, who once played international cricket in Georgetown, described the city as “one of the most beautiful places” he has visited.

He also suggested that Guyana holds significant appeal for visitors, noting that people around the world should want to experience what he described as the Amazon region.

During the cleanup activity, Samuels commended government ministers and members of the private sector for taking part in the national initiative.

“I’m very happy about what I’m seeing,” he said, expressing satisfaction with the level of participation and the ongoing efforts to improve cleanliness in communities across the country..

SUSTAINING MOMENTUM

The National Enhancement Committee said the results of Saturday’s operation have set a strong foundation for continued national mobilisation, urging citizens to maintain the momentum beyond organised exercises.

According to the committee, the scale of the operation was made possible through a wide coalition of stakeholders, including youth groups, civil society bodies, religious organisations, and private sector companies, many of which provided equipment, vehicles, manpower, and logistical support.

Key contributors included major private firms, construction companies, waste management services, and business organisations, alongside State agencies such as the Guyana Defence Force, Guyana Police Force, and Guyana Fire Service, whose operational support proved critical to execution.

Thousands of volunteers, community groups, religious organisations, and businesses participated, contributing to what officials described as one of the most coordinated environmental efforts in recent years.

Prime Minister Phillips reinforced that message, emphasising that the long-term objective is a cleaner, more disciplined Guyana driven by consistent public action.

“This is a clean-up campaign… to sensitise and make everybody aware that we have to work together for a cleaner Guyana,” he said.