An Open Letter to the President on the critical garbage situation

Nov 10, 2017 Letters

DEAR MR. PRESIDENT,
Greetings! I know how very busy you are with matters of state but I am writing to you personally because of a matter of great concern to me and one over which I have been brooding for many weeks now. It concerns the disposal of garbage or thrash in the Republic of Guyana, including the capital city and most, if not all, of the entire country.
On several visits to the “green land of Guyana,” I have noticed that personal and industrial garbage is simply thrown all over the canals and trenches, the roadways and sidewalks, and in public spaces and places throughout the land. Not only is this a disgusting eyesore but it is extremely hazardous to the health and well-being of the population.
I want to suggest humbly that you appoint a special committee/commission to deal with this concern in a timely manner by putting a high profile and respected person in charge of this endeavor in order to draw attention not only to this troubling issue but to draw up plans for the implementation of a comprehensive and long-term resolution of this matter.
It has got to begin with consciousness raising at all levels of society and government via radio, TV, newspapers, and magazines of all kinds, where appropriate articles coupled with encouraging posters and strategically placed trash bins will motivate Guyanese of all ages to do something positive about this deteriorating situation before it gets more and more out of hand.
Everywhere I traveled in the country, including my hometown of Bartica, I was offended by the amount of rotting garbage and unsightly thrash thrown about the place. Contrast this with the Republic of Suriname next door where simple joy in the cleanliness of one’s community, one’s town, one’s village, is a matter of immense pride for residents and citizens alike.
Not only must a sustained educational programme regarding the disposal of thrash and garbage be instituted in all primary and secondary schools, even in colleges and universities, but attractive and colorful posters, motivational public service announcements, and constant vigilance by the police and other law enforcement agencies, must fortify this endeavour at all times and in all places.
I don’t think you personally can take on one more thing, but I am sure you can direct your energy to the appointment of a special committee or commission that will make the cleanliness of Guyana its top priority and enlist the support of community service organizations such as churches, rotary clubs, boy scouts and girl guides, etc. to do their part to maintain a clean and attractive republic.
This has got to be a matter of national priority and of national importance for it to take root and grow fruit eventually in terms of a country that is truly “green” at all levels. Right now the pervasive presence of thrash and garbage everywhere is an assault on the senses and an insult to every Guyanese who desires a clean and wholesome environment.
Please redirect this request to a reliable and dependable person who will take this matter under advisement immediately and who will report back to you in due course about the progress being made to implement lasting strategies for a clean and green Guyana.
You know you can count on my genuine support always as you engage this project for the ultimate good of our homeland.
Fr. William Guthrie+
Retired Anglican Priest
Haines City, Florida

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