“A growing Guyana demands better waste disposal” – PM Phillips as Govt hands over 9 garbage trucks to Reg 5

The Government of Guyana on Friday, handed over nine garbage compactor trucks to Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), further strengthening solid waste management systems and improving service delivery across communities. With this latest distribution, 55 NDCs have now been equipped with garbage trucks, bringing the Government 78.6 per cent closer to achieving full coverage across all NDCs. Delivering remarks on behalf of President Dr Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips emphasised that Guyana’s rapid development demands a more structured and forward-looking approach to waste management.

“A growing Guyana demands a better approach to waste disposal,” he stated, noting that efforts are being made at the central, regional, and local Government levels to ensure systems are in place to effectively manage waste.
Referencing the words of Martin Carter, the PM reminded that, “All are involved, all are consumed,” as he stressed that maintaining cleanliness and sanitation is a shared responsibility. He further clarified that the Government is not removing responsibility from NDCs, municipalities or local authorities but rather strengthening systems to ensure they are properly supported.

“Wherever we are, we all have a very important role to play,” he said, adding that the focus extends beyond domestic waste to a broader, more comprehensive approach to solid waste management. In addition, the Local Government and Regional Development Minister, Priya Manickchand, highlighted the Government’s forward-thinking approach, noting that several models are currently being examined to recycle and reuse waste. These efforts, she explained, aim to convert garbage into useful outputs such as energy and fertiliser, with plans to expand these systems nationwide beyond existing sites such as Haags Bosch. “We want to make sure we leave a better Guyana for our children than what we have become accustomed to,” the Minister stated. She further underscored the Government’s commitment to completing the nationwide rollout of garbage trucks. “Before June, every NDC will have at least one garbage truck – for the first time,” she said. Encouraging a shift in mindset, Minister Manickchand added that the current generation has a responsibility to create a better standard of living for those to come.
“We have a duty to give our children what we did not have, to let them become accustomed to a new and different Guyana,” she expressed, noting that many will soon see development in areas previously unimaginable. Reinforcing the national vision, PM Phillips reiterated that effective waste management is critical to sustaining Guyana’s growth and ensuring improved quality of life for all citizens.
Also present at the handing-over ceremony were Regional Executive Officer (REO) Sadiek Ishmael, Regional Chairman Recardo Phillips, Regional Vice Chairman Kleon Lindsey, and Regional Liaison Rion Peters. To date, NDCs across multiple regions have benefited from the initiative. In Region One, one truck was delivered to Port Kaituma, while Region Two has received 10 trucks.
Region Three is now fully equipped, with 14 trucks distributed across its NDCs, including those previously delivered to Wakenaam and Leguan. Region Five has now received a total of 10 trucks, inclusive of the one provided earlier this year.
In Region Six, 19 trucks have been distributed, while Region Nine has received one. Municipalities have also benefited from the programme, with trucks delivered to Mabaruma, three municipalities in Region Six, and one in Region Nine. The Government of Guyana continues to advance its nationwide waste management programme as part of its broader commitment to building cleaner, healthier communities and improving the quality of life for all Guyanese.