Local Govt Minister extends olive branch to City Council in push for cleaner Georgetown

Plans are moving forward for the enhancement of Georgetown’s cleanliness, as Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand on Tuesday met with the Mayor and Councillors of the Georgetown City Council to discuss ongoing restoration and enhancement initiatives for the capital city.
Speaking on the outcome of the engagement, Director of Solid Waste Management Walter Narine described the meeting as a positive step toward unity and shared purpose.

According to Narine, the meeting served as a courtesy visit for the officials to get acquainted and to align themselves as they work toward the same goal.
However, he said the council was presented with restoration and enhancement plans being advanced by the Ministry, which extend beyond traditional solid waste management.

“The Minister has detailed that it’s not only solid waste that we are going to be looking at. We’re also looking at enhancing historical sites, as the President would have highlighted, and the beautification of designated areas. So it’s not only about solid waste management but beyond that – our own planning within the network,” Narine noted.
To top it off, Narine mentioned that Manickchand used the opportunity to extend an olive branch to the council, urging partnership in achieving the shared goal of a cleaner, more beautiful Georgetown.
“The Minister has also expressed that she would like to extend an olive branch to the council to work together for the common good,” he proudly stated.
“It would be seen by all as a very good thing. The Minister was very firm that this is the President’s vision for Georgetown – and she’s on a mission to get it done.”
A main point that stood out in the dialogue was that, while discussions will continue as part of a broader plan, Minister Manickchand has already begun hands-on work to improve the city’s environment.
“The Minister is not going to sit around and wait on a well-put-together plan to get to work. The Minister has already started,” Narine stressed.
In fact, it was noted that the Minister went out with her team, met with vendors, and led clean-up efforts around the South Georgetown Market area on the same day, while also meeting with vendors from that area.
On a mission
Meanwhile, he further revealed that clean-up efforts are ongoing across several communities.
“Tonight (Tuesday), the Minister is collecting bulky waste from Newtown and Kitty. While the plan is still being finalised, she has already commenced work,” Narine confirmed.
Narine reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to the President’s vision of a transformed Georgetown.
“She’s on a mission, and she’s going to get the work done,” he said confidently.
Only last week, officials from the Local Government and Regional Development Ministry commenced a citywide clean-up campaign in keeping with the Government’s national beautification project.
Leading the initiative are Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand, Minister within the Ministry Pauline Sukhai, Director General Anand Persaud, Permanent Secretary Miguel Choo-Kang, and Deputy Permanent Secretary (Administration) Dr Josh Kanhai, along with other senior officials of the Ministry.
As part of the exercise, Manickchand visited Stabroek Market after 18:00h to gain first-hand insights from vendors operating in the area.
Vendors shared that while they remain committed to keeping their environment clean, the lack of adequate resources and facilities for proper garbage disposal continues to pose a major challenge. They expressed confidence that with the necessary support, littering in and around the market could be drastically reduced.