GARDEN CITY vs. GARBAGE CITY- Georgetown, Guyana

During the colonial days, Georgetown was recognised as a picturesque place with its “three lane streets and quaint Dutch Colonial and Victorian architecture”. Today, residents believed that Georgetown upholding this prestigious title no longer exists due to the destructive element of “garbage pollution”. 

The City of Georgetown (during the 19th century- with its wide, three laned avenues)


VS

  

  Stabroek, Georgetown (Presently) 

In Georgetown, citizens complained about the odour and awful sights
of garbage which are mostly prevalent in streets, drains, playfields and yards. As one resident said, “garbage is taking over everywhere. Soon it will take us over!” The citizens also expressed their dissatisfaction with the Mayor and City Council (M&CC), citing them as “a bunch of crooks”.

Government had previously voiced their concerns about the way the M&CC was handling the issue of pollution in the Capital City.  During a post cabinet meeting, 19^th January- 2012 at Office of the President, Dr. Luncheon (Cabinet Secretary) said that “we will be working with stakeholders in capturing their sentiments and resolve for interventions that are mooted, such as IMC, more financial inputs from stakeholders like those in the private sector...” which would help to combat the garbage crises.

Worldwide, many countries (like the US and China) spend millions of dollars to combat this ongoing issue but it is believed by many that citizens need to play a more active role for the reduction of garbage.

Garbage pollution crises in Georgetown

Vendors and commuters at downtown Georgetown (Stabroek) on the 28^th April-2012 expressed mixed concerns about the polluted environment that is affecting them negatively.

 According to a vendor “this an alarming issue that needs urgent attention since persons are blatantly dumping garbage even though there is a police outpost within close proximity.” While another vendor stated that because of this issue her business is “negatively affected”.

                                               A Vendor at Stabroek, Georgetown

 Most commuters, on the other hand, related that even though some of the same vendors are guilty of dumping their garbage carelessly, “people generally need to practice healthier habits”. Additionally, they believe that the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) should be more vigilant in dealing with the problem of garbage pollution and “train their staff to be more professional and desist from taking bribes”.

They also cited the importance for more garbage bins within the location since many persons frequently traverse the area. In addition, they would like the M&CC to increase their schedule as it relates to the garbage collection.

Even though, these were some of the general responses from the vendors and commuters (within the Stabroek Market vicinity), they both expressed some level of optimism concerning the alleviation of garbage, with the hope that Georgetown would once again be restored to its rightful identity as “the Garden City”

“People need to see garbage disposal as their personal responsibility”- said Mayor Green in responses to the garbage situation in Georgetown- Guyana

The city of Georgetown is believed to be one of the most polluted places in Guyana “even though no official analysis was done”. This was disclosed by Mayor Hamilton Green during an interview on Wednesday 25^th April 2012.



Mayor of Georgetown- Hamilton Green

According to Mr. Green, he has witnessed a drastic change in the way people dispose their garbage. This he said is mainly because of “the change in domestic arrangements, relationships and use of materials”. For example, years ago, one would go to the market with baskets and would receive their goods particularly meat in paper bags. Now everything has shifted to plastic bags which are non-biodegradable (polluting the environment more). He also mentioned that “chicken feathers were used to make pillows instead of putting it to waste in the environment- something that has become extinct.

 The Mayor and City Council as an entity believes that in order for the issue of garbage pollution to be controlled, they must gain more support from the Government. In addition to this, he said that “people need to see garbage disposal as their personal responsibility” rather than a sole responsibility of the City Council.

In closure, Mr. Green echoed strong sentiments that “it is not too late to correct the problem of garbage pollution” – a cause worth fighting for.