I recently took note of an online news report, accompanied by striking images, showing the Guyana Police Force conducting a large-scale drug destruction exercise by open burning in an open space. According to the report, narcotics valued at over $1.7 billion were destroyed, an action framed as part of ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and remove illegal substances from society.
While the objective of removing narcotics from circulation is unquestionably necessary and commendable, the method employed raises serious concerns—particularly in a country where the Government speaks about climate change and environmental protection almost weekly. Against that backdrop, the public spectacle of open-air burning, producing thick black smoke and intense flames, is not a good look.
The images themselves tell a troubling story. Open fires of this nature release toxic fumes into the atmosphere, especially when substances such as cocaine and cannabis are incinerated without proper controls. These emissions pose real and immediate health risks to residents living nearby, including respiratory irritation, long-term lung damage, and environmental contamination. This is not a theoretical concern; it is a public health issue.
More importantly, this practice undermines the credibility of Guyana’s stated climate commitments. We cannot, on one hand, champion climate leadership on the international stage and, on the other, permit environmentally hazardous practices at home. Climate policy is not only about speeches and declarations—it is about operational decisions made by state agencies every day.
What makes this situation more perplexing is that there is a clear and practical alternative. An incinerator already exists at Le Repentir Cemetery, specifically designed to burn materials in a controlled manner that significantly reduces environmental and health risks. The use of such a facility would demonstrate foresight, responsibility, and alignment with national environmental goals.
The Guyana Police Force is undoubtedly aware of the Government’s climate posture and the growing public sensitivity around environmental issues. As one of the most visible state institutions, the Force has a duty not only to enforce the law, but also to model best practices consistent with national priorities. Optics matter, but substance matters even more.
Going forward, I strongly urge that future drug destruction exercises be conducted using proper incineration facilities rather than open fires in public or semi-public spaces. This would protect nearby communities, reduce environmental harm, and ensure that Guyana’s actions match its rhetoric on climate change.
If we are serious about sustainable development and environmental stewardship, then we must practice what we preach. Anything less weakens public trust and dilutes the very message we claim to stand for.
