Executive Director (ED) of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Mr Kemraj Parsram, has unreservedly praised staff of the regulatory body for their dedication, innovation, and leadership, saying the past 12 months turned out to be not just a “busy year but also a defining one.”
Mr Parsram made the comment at the Agency’s 29th Anniversary Dinner and Awards Ceremony, held on June 6 at the Royal International Hotel, Georgetown.
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Honourable Mark Phillips also spoke at the ceremony and featured in the presentation of awards to staff. Among other guests were members of the Cabinet, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and senior Government officials.
Making a Difference
In his address, Mr Parsram recalled that, a few weeks ago, he visited Iwokrama, where some EPA officers were undergoing training in biodiversity assessment.
“Amid Iwokrama’s natural beauty and our protected forest landscape, one of our officers turned to me and said, with genuine excitement, ‘Sir, this is the kind of work I’ve always dreamed of doing. I finally feel like I’m building the skills to really make a difference’.”
The ED said that very moment reinforced in him that the EPA is not just working to regulate and enforce environmental guidelines but also to empower staff to grow and build the kind of capacity that enables them to contribute meaningfully to Guyana’s sustainable future.
“Tonight, what you see around this gathering aren’t just co-workers or awardees. You see a movement. You see resilience, innovation, and a shared sense of purpose,” he said. “This is what happens when people show up for something bigger than themselves.”
Work of Team EPA
Mr Parsram noted that the EPA has grown not only in numbers but also in mindset, capacity and courage. “As a national institution with 180 professionals, we are no longer just a regulator. We are a force for environmental transformation,” he said.
The ED pointed out that the staff of the EPA have helped shape and enforce smarter, risk-based environmental permits, which protect the environment and public health, support sustainable development, and ensure compliance in sectors ranging from oil and gas to mining and infrastructure.
“Your analyses, your oversight, your integrity. This is what made all of that possible. We responded to hundreds of complaints, protecting lives before environmental risks escalated. And behind every response was a dedicated officer, a quiet act of bravery,” said Mr Parsram.
Environmental Intelligence
He noted that the EPA is no longer “only about regulation” but rather “leaders in environmental intelligence”. These include expanded real-time water and air quality monitoring in communities and satellite technology detecting flaring, forest loss, fires and oil spills.
Mr Parsram added that monitoring turbidity in rivers and biodiversity are soon to come.
“And who can forget the joy of our green walks? You brought environmental consciousness into the heart of Guyana. These were not side events. They were statements of who we are,” he said.
Strategic Plan
Mr Parsram used the opportunity to announce the launch of the EPA’s new strategic plan. “This plan is not just a document; it’s a declaration. It is a roadmap of bold commitments, built by you, for you and with you,” he said.
There are seven pillars which form the basis of the strategic plan. According to Mr Parsram, these are:
* World-class environmental authorisation, which is risk-based, science-driven and legally sound.
* Robust compliance, which means ensuring every citizen and company respect environmental obligations.
* Strong enforcement and response capacity, where polluters are held accountable and citizens feel protected.
* Technology and data-driven decisions, which will enhance credibility and impact.
* National leadership in biodiversity, aligned with all multilateral commitments.
* Emergency environmental readiness, which saves lives and protects ecosystems.
* Organisational excellence, with motivated, high-performing staff at the core.
“Let me be clear, this plan is not mine alone. It doesn’t belong to management alone. It belongs to every officer, whether in communications, finance, admin or technical,” he said. “It’s about a shared mission. A contract with the people of Guyana and a promise to ourselves.”
He explained that the EPA will be rolling out implementation teams soon and called on staff to step forward and be part of these efforts.
