Latest update November 25th, 2024 1:00 AM
Latest News
- ExxonMobil commences design for 7th project as Gov’t remains ‘iffy’ over approval
- Gov’t extends deadline for proposals on second phase of Gas-to-Energy project
- Hezbollah rockets land near Tel Aviv after big Israeli strike on Beirut
- 121 drivers nabbed speeding, 248 with unauthorised tinted glass
- Cop stabbed by Venezuelan national
Contagious countrywide cleanup campaign hits Sophia
…residents highlight need for waste transport mechanisms
From as early as 6:00hrs yesterday, and braving intermittent rains, residents of Block 14, Sohpia could be seen cleaning up the Canal along the main access road on the B Field section of the community.
The initiative is an offshoot of the “clean up campaign” instigated by President David Granger shortly after he was sworn in last month. Community activist Doris Shelto-Mc Lennon said that the clean up action is “catching on like magic” in places outside the capital city, including Sophia.
Efforts of cleanup campaign in B Field, Sophia
“I was talking to some workers and most of them told me that it was very strange that since the change in Government everybody just has this feeling of hope,” related Mc Lennon. She said that this hope has brought with it a united spirit that is motivating communities to do whatever it takes to make the country beautiful.
According to Mc Lennon, the Sophia cleanup incorporated members from the Mother Action Group and the Sophia Sparkle Youth Group, both of which she is president of, along with other factions of the community. This amounted to about 25 volunteers at the time this publication visited yesterday.
As one of the organisers of previous cleanup campaigns in Sophia, Mc Lennon said that had she asked persons a few months ago to assist in the initiative they would have asked how much she would pay them.
“But now as soon as you say cleanup, people are ready,” related the resident.
Persons doing their part yesterday on Mandela Avenue in keeping the city clean
However, while Mc Lennon explained that people both young and old were out cleaning the canals, she stressed that the groups are looking for a way to transport the waste to be properly disposed. She said that the group will continue the work but will need trucks to make the cleanup more effective.
Christine Schwartz, one of the older volunteers in the cleanup, said that they are also working to get residents from other sections of Sophia out on the campaign. As most of the volunteers come from the “back” of Sophia, which is some distance away from the main road, Schwartz said that they would like those close to the canal to help continue in its maintenance.
“If they cannot maintain it, regardless of whoever comes and throw trash here, so long as it is in front of their residence we are going to prosecute them,” said the volunteer. She reiterated that the community is happy to be part of the countrywide initiative, but that they needed vehicles to move the garbage.
One of the young faces contributing to the cleanup effort was 18 year-old Ambalika Holder, who said that she came out to make a difference in her community.
“As a community we need to come out and cooperate and we want to see a change… we intend to be out here until the job is finished and when we are tired,” said Holder.
The young woman related that it was her first day out on the project, but that persons in the community were cleaning since Monday last. She added that her group will be out again the following week to further the cleaning efforts.
For Holder, to see such collaborative work in her community says that people are willing to change, to unite and that everyone is willing to contribute towards a common goal.
Meanwhile, as B Field, Sophia, was hard at work clearing canals, residents of C Field could also be seen doing their part in contributing to the community wide effort.
The next goal for many of the Sophia volunteers is to promote sustainable subsistence farming.
And even as Sophia was doing their part to enhance the community’s environs, sections of the capital city appeared to be continuing the work they started last month. Mandela Avenue had a team of men volunteering their time in restoring the city’s former Garden City status.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
The business class also funds undemocratic parties
…Peeping Tom Kaieteur News- There’s a peculiar phenomenon in Guyana, a sort of cyclical ritual, where members of... more
Rising Gun Crimes in the Caribbean: Urgent Action required by all
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News – There is an alarming surge in gun-related violence, particularly among younger... more
Weekend Cartoon
