Cabinet has approved tougher regulations in relation to garbage in the city which will be signed today under the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Act, the Government Information Agency reported last evening.
The signing today coincides with the UN-designated World Environment Day.
GINA reported Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud as saying that he will also be looking at the appointment of litter wardens.
The judiciary has already been written to, requesting special courts in the magistracy, where environmental cases can be addressed. Fines and a ticketing system will also be instituted.
“We hope that from an enforcement standpoint, this will lead to greater respect and compliance across the country,” Persaud said.
The Minister referred to the garbage situation in the city as a “national embarrassment” and added that, “it is sad that the City Council does not seem to be motivated enough to get its act together; instead it seems more inclined to be involved in politics and internal city warfare.”
GINA reported that there will be a grace period, between the signing of the regulation and its enforcement during which public awareness will be intensified.
“We have reached the point of national frustration; the Govern-ment has been making resources available to the City Council, and I think the time for talking is over, we have to do something about this,” Minister Persaud stated.
In relation to environment protection and the extractive sector, the Minister said that recently, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) issued a report on the Guianas (Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana) which highlighted that while Guyana has a large mining sector, it has a minimal impact on the environment.
“Our record is there, but we are not complacent. We recognise that there is still much more to be done and there is a genuine resolve on the part of the various stakeholders to address these matters,” Persaud said.
Today, an observance will be held at the Umana Yana from 9:00h-11:00h. This event will include several presentations and exhibits.
