Dear Editor
Cleanliness, it is said, is next to godliness. There is nothing more pleasing to the eyes that a clean and well-kept environment.
In this regard, the initiative by our First Lady to clean up the sea-wall and other public spaces is commendable. I had the opportunity to visit Singapore a few years ago and the first thing that strikes me is the cleanliness of the country. Of course Singapore has some of the most stringent anti-littering measures in the world including hefty fines and flogging if found guilty.
While I do not propose such extreme measures, I do believe there is a case for a much more robust enforcement of existing laws to keep our city and our country in a clean and eco-friendly manner. A clean environment requires a multi-agency approach and, more importantly, behavioural changes both at the individual and corporate levels. There is a positive correlation between a clean environment and the mental health of the society as a whole. I urge all Guyanese to contribute to transforming our environment to one that is safe and free from garbage.
Regards
Hydar Ally
