Policy Forum Guyana on Sunday partnered with a number of organisations to host a Civil Society March and Rally in commemoration of World Environment Day 2017.
Scores of young enthusiasts representing various organizations from across Guyana took to the streets of Georgetown in a rally to “Revive the Rivers.”
The event, which commenced at the junction of Main Street and the Avenue of the Republic, in vicinity of the Bank of Guyana, saw hundreds of youths belonging to schools and non-governmental organisations, decked out in the colours of their institutions, proudly flaunting their banners and reciting their spirited chants.
Organizers pose with their banner at the Civil Society March and Rally
The march led the procession down Camp Street, where the inspired crowd of activists then made their way to the Seawall Band Stand in Kingston for a simple presentation ceremony.
Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Mikiko Tanaka, addressing the gathering at the Band Stand, expressed delight at the commitment shown by the youths of Guyana towards the cause of protecting the rivers, and by extension the environment.
Tanaka commended the strides made by Guyanese to establish the nation as a “green state”, and urged attendees to continue embarking on similar efforts aimed at protecting and preserving the environment.
Preeya Rampersaud, Senior Coordinator at the World Wildlife Fund (WFF) Guianas, highlighted her concern about water contamination in Guyana, and pointed out that while Guyana is blessed with an abundance of water by means of its many rivers, only a small percentage of the bodies of water have not yet been tampered with by activities such as mining and pollution.
She warned that if solutions and improved approaches are not employed, the country would risk losing one of its most valuable resources.
Three lucky organisations were presented with prizes for their outstanding participation in the Civil Society March and Rally. Receiving accolades were: Tutorial High School, recognized for the “Best Chant”; Marian Academy, who won the “Best Banner” prize; and St. Ann’s Orphanage, dubbed the “Most Creative Group”.
In an interview with Guyana Times, Gomin Camacho, Assistant Coordinator of Policy Forum Guyana, the spearheading organization, expressed elation at having successfully staged the “Revive the Rivers” initiative, and dubbed the march a great success.
Camacho explained the objectives of the event, and pointed out that it was in effort to raise awareness.
The Assistant Coordinator noted that while World Environment Day is observed internationally, “we wanted to make it more local,” hence the organization’s emphasis on protection and preservation of the many rivers of Guyana. Policy Forum even went one step further, expanding their platform to encompass water in general, with a focus on management and conservation, thereby justifying the participation of organizations housed in the coastal region.
Camacho highlighted threats to the rivers, especially in the interior regions and especially as a result of the mining industry. “We are proud that we are (known as) ‘the Land of Many Waters’, but nothing is being done to protect the rivers,” the environment activist noted.
The civil society march and rally, “Revive the Rivers” initiative, was one in a series of events to commemorate World Environment Day 2017. The international platform is a United Nations-calendared event observed annually on June 5. First held in 1974, it has been a flagship campaign for raising awareness on emerging environmental issues, from marine pollution, human overpopulation, global warming, to sustainable consumption and wildlife crime. This year, World Environment Day was celebrated under the theme “Connecting People to Nature”.
