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.