Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr. Josh Kanhai is urging young people and residents to take personal responsibility for waste management, saying, “If you have garbage in your hand, look for a garbage bin. Keep it until you find one. Cleanliness begins at home, and our home is Guyana.” His comments came during a hands-on cleanup exercise in Georgetown, part of a broader government initiative to sustain urban cleanliness.
The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development has launched the initiative as a long-term effort, emphasizing that it is not a one-off campaign but a continuous program aimed at preserving Georgetown’s reputation as the “Garden City.”
The project forms a key part of the government’s strategy to create a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable urban environment for all residents.
Director General Anand Persaud explained that the cleanup targets key areas such as Stabroek Market, the Bank of Guyana, and the Avenue Public corridor.
“This is something we want to sustain and improve on, creating more regular and meaningful measures for urban cleanliness,” he said, highlighting the support of Sanitation Improvement Project (SIP) workers, Ministry staff, and security forces in ensuring the exercise ran smoothly.
Minister of Local Government Priya Manickchand joined the effort, engaging with residents and vendors to reinforce proper waste disposal practices.
Vendors welcomed the initiative but pointed out challenges, including the limited number of garbage receptacles and insufficient resources for proper waste management.
By combining public engagement, strategic planning, and regular maintenance, the Ministry aims to instill a culture of cleanliness and environmental responsibility in Georgetown’s communities.
With sustained efforts, the capital is being revitalized not just as a visually appealing city, but as a model of civic responsibility and environmental stewardship—an effort the government says requires the commitment of both authorities and citizens alike.
