Enough of the old thinking, M&CC

Jul 02, 2015 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
I am in awe that epidemics of cholera, flu or malaria have not spread in Georgetown. Either the leadership spends many hours praying for protection or they waste time wishing away the problems. The latter seems to be the case.
Given the years that the city was left to manage itself which resulted in mounds of garbage slowly growing along with its accompanying stench, either a miracle occurred or Louis Pasteur was wrong. Georgetown is probably just a statistical anomaly.
The recent comments of the Deputy Mayor of Georgetown coupled with the actions of the Mayor suggest a continuation of disregard, disrespect, and disdain for the citizenry of Georgetown.
The disregard for the citizens is demonstrated by posing anachronistic solutions to modern day challenges. The suggestion that “bringing back old smokey” is a solution to garbage is a romantic idea that should be disabused. Burning plastics, rubber, and other toxic waste is not a viable option, given contemporary concerns with the environment. While it may be true that some cement factories engage in such practices, at least such burning is controlled albeit many environmental experts frown upon the idea. Perhaps employing persons to separate the organic materials to make compost as well as to engage in recycling efforts would be a better option.
Would challenging our technical students to research and invent a process that could be patented work? Could all the organic material be used as compost for the flowers and plants around the city and also generate revenue? Could all the plastic be moulded into benches, playgrounds, and receptacles, just to name a few? Examples of some products may be found on the Axion International website. Could the tires be made as components for road or decorative items?
Indeed GT could be known as the garbage city. Imagine tourists could have on their t-shits……I went to G’Town Guyana and all I saw was garbage. An even better one…..I visited G’Town Guyana, what a nice s**tuation…theirs does not stink. Or imagine…..Visit G’Town Guyana, they have their s**t under control. The possibilities seem endless.
The disrespect for the citizens continues unabated. The mere suggestion of their preservation of the effort for a clean city with assistance offered by the M&CC rises to a level of hogwash. More backward thinking. Shouldn’t it be the assistance offered by the citizenry with the preservation of the effort secured by the M&CC? Why pay rate and taxes? Where is the money going?
We may quibble that neither did the trash walk to the parapets nor jump into the trenches, but clearly groups such as the Guyana Beautification Project show that they are willing to show leadership in reversing the trend. And speaking of rates and taxes, while we are in the cleaning mode, how about listing all the properties and owners who owe rates and taxes? Is that a list worth a cleaning up effort, too? The time is right, since auditors are working hard at tracing funds.
The disdain for the people of the Georgetown is exemplified in the suggestion that the people who are taking their precious time and effort need to coordinate with the M&CC. It seems that the M&CC should be coordinating with the people. The idea to put a bin on every corner sounds good, but what is the plan? Is it to make GT the Bin City? Would the M&CC generate revenue if they buy bins then sell ad space? My novice understanding is that not only are businesses there to sell goods and services but they try to attract customers, and the M&CC organizes the infrastructure and beautify the surroundings.
Perhaps instead of boxes at the alley heads, can we make those flower beds? Perhaps instead of a bin city, let’s plan for a Binge City, if only we could binge on beauty. As His Worship recently noted, “It’s a new arrangement.”
In Guyana, we like our sayings. I don’t know some of your favourites, but one of mine notes that new brooms sweep clean, but old brooms know the corners better. Given the upcoming local government elections, this makes sense. However, would you agree with me that GT has trenches, parapets, and grass that need effective management and proper maintenance?
Indeed we have corners. The old brooms should find one and go lime. Enough of the old thinking. Enough said.
Omowale Odinga

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