National clean-up exercise: “We need a better attitude toward cleanliness in Guyana” – PM at clean-up campaign

…as Government warns against littering, derelict dumping

Armed with brooms, shovels and responsibility, volunteers across Guyana turned out in large numbers, demonstrating a collective push toward a cleaner environment. Various Ministries participated alongside members of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and other officials. The current nationwide National Clean-Up Exercise was launched in 2022 under President Irfaan Ali’s Administration.
Present at one of the clean-up sites was Prime Minister (PM) Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who actively assisted in the exercise. He stressed that there must be a shift in attitude toward cleanliness. “Everybody should know the importance. Georgetown needs cleaning, right? And in fact, many communities – we need to clean our surroundings, [but] we need to have a better attitude when it comes to disposal, especially of solid waste,” he said. He also addressed the issue of careless garbage disposal.

“You know, people just cannot indiscriminately throw garbage anywhere they feel like. You have to get a garbage container and place it in a designated area where collectors can come and pick it up. We need to do better as people of Georgetown and people of Guyana,” he added. The PM noted that solid waste disposal remains a significant challenge, emphasising that the exercise is not only about cleaning but also about promoting collective responsibility.
He explained that while agencies such as the City Council, Regional Democratic Councils (RDC) and Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (RDC) play important roles, every citizen must do their part. He urged individuals to keep their surroundings clean and ensure that waste is properly stored and disposed of. He added that if all citizens contribute, the country will see significant improvements in its environment. “This is a clean-up campaign, and the whole aim is to sensitise and make everybody aware that we have to work together for a cleaner Guyana,” he said.

Stop it
Meanwhile, Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand echoed similar sentiments while working along Sussex and Saffon Streets and also along Smythe Street, Georgetown. “Sussex and Saffon Streets – I am in the city, and if [anyone passes on these streets, you can see garbage thrown on the streets], this is being done by business owners. It is extremely irritating that we have to wake up at six o’clock to address this.” She warned that Sussex Street is not a dumpsite, while warning all businesses to stop hiring “junkies” to dispose of their garbage. She also pointed to the provision of strict laws to fight this issue.
“We are going to have to move very quickly to a point where people are charged for this. This is not what we should look like anymore. This must be, if not the last, then one of our last clean-ups dealing with this level of mess being created by businesses. While we are all working toward a clean country, it is much better not to be a litterbug. We are cleaning up all across the country, and I thank this team for undertaking the effort,” she added.

Derelict vehicles
Meanwhile, derelict vehicles were also identified as a major concern during the exercise. Public Works Minister Juan Edghill addressed the issue, noting that despite notices being issued, persons have been relocating derelict vehicles to other areas instead of removing them entirely. He pointed out that Hadfield Street has become a dumping ground for such items.
“What we have realised has happened is that when we give notice for people to move derelicts and caravans that are improperly placed, Hadfield Street has become the new dumping ground. It has become unpleasant to the eyes – everything that should not be here is now on this street. We have given notice. So this morning, I am announcing again: Hadfield Street, between Mandela Avenue and Cemetery Road, is not a dumping ground for derelicts and caravans!” he stated.
He warned that derelicts placed in the area will be removed permanently, and owners will be required to pay the full cost to retrieve them. The Minister further cautioned that individuals attempting to organise such activities are “pushing up the wrong alleyway”, adding that such behaviour will not be tolerated.
He stressed that persons cannot dump derelicts in front of others’ properties due to a lack of space and called for greater order and cooperation among citizens. Additionally, he made it clear that unauthorised vending along main public and access roads will not be allowed. He also warned that failure to comply after notices are issued will result in the Ministry removing the derelict items.
“Well, this is what [will] happen when people don’t move. We have put up public notices and pictures on Facebook for two weeks. I hope that everybody across the main and access roads understands that we are working everywhere. If you need them, move them; if not, we will move them, and you will have to pay to get them back, and you won’t be able to put them back on the road,” he said.
On Saturday morning members of the cabinet and head of the joint services, along with other Government officials and public-spirited citizens, led by example during the clean-up in several areas around the city. Similar clean-up activities were being carried out across the country, with hundreds of citizens participating in the national effort to restore cleanliness and promote environmental responsibility.