‘Nah dutty the place’ – EPA head urges personal responsibility in fight against litter

Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Kemraj Parsram, is calling on citizens to take greater personal responsibility in addressing the country’s persistent litter problem, warning that public behaviour remains a major contributor to environmental degradation. In an Op-Ed on Sunday, Parsram said while many Guyanese complain about litter, fewer are willing to acknowledge their own role in the issue. He noted that littering has become a common sight across the country, from roadways and markets to the seawall and drainage systems, with its prevalence leading to a level of public acceptance.
“The issue is not solely systemic. The issue lies with us,” Parsram stated, adding that while individuals often maintain clean homes and surroundings, this sense of responsibility is frequently abandoned in public spaces.
He pointed to everyday actions such as discarding bottles and food containers in drains, streets and waterways, which contribute to clogged drainage systems and increased flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. According to Parsram, these behaviours undermine efforts to improve environmental conditions.
The EPA head highlighted the importance of the national anti-littering message, “Nah Dutty the Place, Man,” describing it as a call for citizens to take ownership of their actions. He urged individuals to properly dispose of waste, make use of available bins and set positive examples for younger generations. Parsram also acknowledged ongoing efforts by the Government of Guyana to strengthen solid waste management through improved collection services, expanded infrastructure, and enforcement of regulations. However, he stressed that these measures alone are insufficient without public cooperation. He maintained that meaningful progress will depend on a combined approach, where improved systems are matched by responsible public behaviour. “The next time you hold a bottle or a wrapper, consider where it belongs,” Parsram said, emphasising that national cleanliness is a shared responsibility. Only last month, heavy rainfall compounded by littering contribute to flooding in several areas on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD), Georgetown, East Bank Demerara (EBD) and West Coast Demerara (WCD) among other communities.
Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall and Local Government Minister, Priya Manickchand, were among several Ministers, Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) and Regional Democratic Council (RDC) councillors and community leaders who visited the areas and had strongly urged citizens to recognise their roles in keeping their communities clean and preventing littering. During her visits to flood-hit communities, Manickchand had recorded a series of garbage blocking several passageways, especially at koker sites. “Different places… same problem”
In fact, the Minister used her Facebook page to voice her disappointment at what she observed. “Different places… same problem. This simply CANNOT continue. Let’s have that serious conversation with action and consequences.” the Minister had stated.