Recycling is too long overdue in Guyana

Dear Editor,
I just like this move. The culture here is so bad that people laugh when environmental issues are being addressed. I saw a woman dump the feathers and scraps from her chicken right into the trench. To her, this is a non-issue. My back neighbour raises chicken, and the smell comes my way. He does not give a ‘heck’ about me. He has to earn a living, ‘no matter what’. So, when I hear ‘recycling plant’, I am very upbeat.
I am following the news and it is that the Environmental Community Health Organisation (ECHO) is being most supportive and pushy. It is welcoming the announcement of President Donald Ramotar, about the granting of tax-free concessions for recycling plants. Guyana is so far back, that anything and everything must be done to catch up.
Read the ECHO response: “We, in ECHO, believe that the announcement of the availability of tax-free concessions for recycling plants is good and encouraging news for those who are desirous of getting involved in the waste recycling industry and in working towards protecting the health of the natural environment.” ECHO must be emulated as much as possible.
I know that in Guyana, waste management is becoming increasingly problematic. I was following the possible take on Styrofoam products, that is, restricting their use, and I see the issue as that of waste management.
No matter what the residue is, it is simply left in a most irresponsible manner. This is hazardous to health, and it complicates life too. When it rains, half the drainage problem is attributable to blockages from all kinds of waste matter. So, it is not only plastic, glass, etc. It is everything that is improperly attended to that constitutes a major public health nuisance in many local communities.
I have a little matter on hand, and I think that the holistic approach must now be embraced. I notice many garbage trucks going around at all hours and places in a most random manner. Garbage collecting should be done in a very routine and suitable manner in terms of time. I was at an educational institute the other day, and the big and smelly truck came and interrupted the teaching sessions. This should not be. I remember one day at Fogarty’s, the garbage truck held up traffic at peak hour.
I am for advancements, and I embrace modernising Guyana. However, if it is worth doing, then it must be worth doing well. Even if it takes some time, I do not care, but all factors must be taken into account.

All for a cleaner
Guyana.
Ramsawack Bhijojan