We must also take responsibility for the cleanliness of our surroundings

 Dear Editor,
A member of the opposition in the minority has posted on Facebook a video showing a large heap of garbage in the midst of the living area of a poor community. The opposition member goes on to berate the Minister of Local Government with personal attacks, and he also speaks poorly of several other cabinet members. Clearly blaming them for the presence of the large amounts of garbage heaped up in the midst of the community. It should also be noted that this was not a garbage heap on the parapet. So, the finger-pointing between the M&CC and the Central Government may also not be appropriate. CRG may not always agree with those in Government, but it is important to correctly place responsibility where it belongs.
During the 1980s, as Guyana descended into poverty, the culture in the country was such that people still took pride in having clean surroundings and a healthy environment in which to live. Garbage was not seen along the roadways, and there was a popular saying back then of “cleanliness being next to godliness”. Each person took responsibility for maintaining the cleanliness of their own surroundings, and the decency of our society did not allow one to be disrespectful and throw garbage wherever he or she wished. This perspective is being shared as a reminder that it is within the power of the residents to keep the surroundings of where they live clean. Poverty is not an excuse for filthy surroundings and unhygienic behaviour.
Whether as a part of Government or in opposition, we must remember that the main purpose of the Government is to provide the resources and the opportunities for each of us to live better. It is the responsibility of us, the people, to make the effort to make the most of the available resources and opportunities provided. One can understand if the residents were prevented from properly disposing of the garbage in their midst, but it is quite different if they were involved in making their own situation worse. As a people we must regain pride in the cleanliness of our surroundings and demand that those around us also help in maintaining the little we have in good and healthy condition.

Yours sincerely,
Jamil Changlee