Reckless use of rivers imperils our precious patrimony − Granger

“Innocent human lives are being lost and irreparable damage is being done to rivers in the hinterland as a result of reckless mining and disregard for human safety”, says former President David Granger.

“River patrols and rigorous enforcement of regulations and safety standards are required.  The Guyana Police Force Marine Unit should be strengthened since every police division has responsibility for several rivers and creeks. The Ministries of Public Works and Natural Resources need to refashion the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) and Corps of Wardens, respectively. The Environmental Protection Act and the River Navigation Act should be enforced to prevent the loss of lives and to protect rivers,” Mr. Granger asserted.

Speaking on his weekly live programme − ‘The Public Interest’ − Mr. Granger said that Central Government and Regional and Municipal Councils need to keep our rivers free of pollution caused by environmental degradation, deforestation and toxic discharges from farming, logging and mining. He noted that the protection of rivers can guarantee citizens’ entitlement and communities’ access to freshwater and ensure the country’s water security.

Referring to the importance of rivers, Mr. Granger reminded that Guyana is ‘the land of waters’ owing to its numerous rivers of which there are more than sixty. “Rivers denominate and demarcate the (double-titled) administrative regions from the Barima-Waini in the north to the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo in the south.

“Rivers shaped the country’s destiny – geographically, historically, naturally, politically and strategically”. The borders with Brazil, Venezuela and Suriname are demarcated, mainly, by rivers”. Regional ‘capital towns’ are all beautified by spectacular riverside vistas,” Mr. Granger continued.

Mr. Granger explained that rivers are essential for economic survival — for transporting food, goods and people from the hinterland to the coastland. “Rivers fulfil fundamental everyday functions − helping people to perform personal hygiene and housekeeping chores. They are sources of potential energy generation and recreation such as regattas,” Mr. Granger said, as he implored the government to do more to protect the country’s rivers.