Dear Editor,
To the people of Guyana, and to those in the halls of power,
We’ve all seen the efforts: new bins in our markets, bulk waste collections in our communities. On the surface, it speaks of a commitment to a cleaner Guyana. But look closer, and a troubling truth emerges. This campaign, while well-intentioned, is treating the symptom while ignoring the disease. We are moving trash from our sightlines into our landfills, but we are not managing our waste. There is a profound difference.
This is a direct call to our policymakers at the Ministry of Local Government, the Environmental Protection Agency, and our regional and neighborhood officials. The current approach is imparting the wrong lessons. It teaches us that out-of-sight is out-of-mind. It shows our children that mixing organic waste with plastics, and dumping refrigerators and used air conditioners laden with toxic Freon directly into the earth, is an acceptable solution. It is not. This is not true cleanliness; it is a cosmetic cover-up that poisons our land, water, and air for generations.
We cannot pride ourselves on being a ‘Green State’ on the global stage while our local practices are a study in environmental neglect. The paradox is too stark to ignore. We are better than this.
We call for a shift from optics to purpose. We need a sustainable waste management system, built with foresight and a genuine commitment to environmental stewardship. This means:
- Public Education & Separation at Source: Launch a nationwide campaign to educate every citizen on separating organic, recyclable, and hazardous waste. Provide the clearly marked bins to make it possible.
- Proper Handling of Hazardous Waste: Immediately establish protocols and facilities for the safe recovery of CFCs and Freon from old appliances. This is non-negotiable.
- Invest in a Circular Economy: Foster industries and initiatives that repurpose and recycle. Metal, plastics, and organics are not just waste; they can be resources that create jobs and reduce landfill burden.
Citizens, we must raise our voices. Demand more than just a daily/ weekly collection. Hold your councilors and leaders accountable. Ask them: What is the long-term plan?
To our leaders, the challenge is this: Lead with purpose. Move beyond the short-term photo opportunity and build a legacy of genuine sustainability. Let’s not just clean up; let’s build up. Our environment, our health, and our national integrity depend on it. The world is watching, but more importantly, our children are. Let’s give them a future that is truly green, from the deepest forest to the local landfill.
Sincerely
Hemdutt Kumar
