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Apr 27, 2013 News
Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Robert Persaud, charged “young people to take the lead role in ensuring the city’s garbage disposal issue is adequately resolved.”
He was addressing them at a time when Guyana joined the rest of the globe to observe the 43rd anniversary of International Earth Day, on Monday at St. Rose’s High School, Georgetown.
“We often hear the overused cliché that young people are our future but I would like to add to that statement, because young people are also agents of change. Young people have a soft power of influence; utilize that power to persuade others and bring about change.”
The Minister highlighted the importance of having healthy environmental practices etched within the school curriculum.
“In Guyana we have always prided ourselves as a nation and as a people, for taking decisive steps, not only nationally but at a global level in ensuring that our earth is respected and treated in a manner that its resources and capacity will be available to future generations.”
The celebration also marked the first anniversary of the Guyana Shines project, which seeks to encourage and mobilise citizens and communities to maintain a healthy environment by addressing the litter problem and restoring Georgetown to its former splendor as the garden city of the Caribbean. This programme was initiated on Earth Day last year, through collaborative efforts of diplomatic and civil society. It included students, teachers and legislative stakeholders.
United States Ambassador to Guyana, D. Brent Hardt, commended students, teachers, community residents and volunteers for their support, dedication and concern for the litter problem.
He also lauded staff, students and parents of Marian Academy, who joined forces with Guyana Shines, in a special effort to construct a recycling shed in which plastic bottles are now stored, instead of in the school house.
“The US ambassador said that the Guyana Shines project has also reached out to 62 schools across Georgetown, increasing awareness and educating students on the harmful effects of littering and pollution. He urged that Guyana seize this moment for real transformation.
Among the guest speakers, was Suzanne Mc Rae of Conservation International, who told the students to do their part in solving the waste problem. “Don’t be part of the problem be part of the solution,”
“Don’t be a bystander and let litter happen, but hold yourself and your fellow citizens responsible,”
“Several stores in Guyana now offer reusable bags; as a consumer you can opt to use environmentally friendly products that are biodegradable,” Mc Rae added
Charge D’ Affaires Joachim Jakobsen listed the available recycling options.
“Every time we visit schools we leave a list of options and contacts for recycling…. Banks DIH accepts small brown and green bottles for recycling and they offer a small sum of money in return; Caribbean containers will take copy paper and cardboard and provide small bins to schools and workplaces. Netram and Sons collects plastic bottles for recycling”
A booklet was also presented to St Rose’s High School. The volume features details on the impact of littering. World Earth Day was initiated on April 22, 1970, with persons contesting for clean air, clean water and initiation of the endangered species acts.
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