The huge stock pile of garbage that was dumped indiscriminately by market vendors and residents of Anna Regina, in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) was cleaned following assistance by an overseas-based Guyanese. The clean-up came immediately after Guyana Times published an article highlighting the issues and the obnoxious environment the garbage situation was creating.
Persons assisting in clearing up the garbage which was indiscriminately dumped by vendors and residents
Speaking with Guyana Times, Rufus James, an overseas-based Guyanese, said he was visiting the county after several years but was confronted by the unpleasant sight. He said he noticed the deplorable condition of the garbage dumped at the Anna Regina market and upon inquiring, was told that Town Council did not had sufficient resources to conduct the works.
Having recognised the health hazard the garbage was posing to residents and vendors, James said he offered financial assistance to clean up the area. A team then met with the Anna Regina Town Clerk, Diane Chritclow and the Anna Regina Market Clerk, Wazeer Danraj, and a suggestion was made for a front-end loader to assist with the job. Regional Vice Chairperson Nandranie Coonjah was approached for the use of the loader and granted the request.
The site was cleaned and is currently more appealing in the eyes of the general public. Market Clerk Danraj extended gratitude toward James for his efforts, underscoring that the clearing of the garbage is an ongoing exercise. Danraj said that vendors, as well as residents need to understand that there are heavy penalties attached to the offence of dumping garbage on the roadway. He is therefore calling on residents to utilise the legal disposal services available to them.
Environmental Health Officer Eshwin Persuad, attached to the Anna Regina Town Council, said that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will be monitoring the situation and defaulters will be fined and penalised according to the EPA Act.
