Embarking on a new approach to rebrand and revitalise the ‘Garden City,’ the Georgetown Mayor and City Council (M&CC) yesterday unveiled its plans to raise awareness with the launching of its ‘Green Conference and Expo.’
Scheduled for October 30th to November 1st at the Promenade Gardens and Parade Ground, the three-day event seeks to start a national discussion and encourage the establishment of partnerships to promote and maintain a “clean and green” environment.
The conference will also seek to promote eco-friendly practices and various conservation methods, both domestic and commercial, and would target, among others, the manufacturing sector, food and beverage distributors, electrical, construction and mechanical services, and the mining, health and waste management industries.
Speaking at the launch yesterday, Minster of Communities Ronald Bulkan lauded the efforts of the municipal body, stating that it is just one of a series of initiatives the M&CC has undertaken aimed at reclaiming and restoring pride in the capital city.
Bulkan noted that while the former administration sought to micromanage and interfere with the regional democratic bodies, doing untold damage in the process, his ministry will do the opposite.
“First of all, I would like to say that the ministry will not dictate or dominate the working of our regional democratic organs. Central government and the Ministry of Communities, which has responsibilities for affairs of our local democratic organs, will respect our constitutional provisions as it relates to both the authority and autonomy of the regional democratic organs,” he said.
“So the ministry has pledged, and I do so here again, to remove [the] hand of control, that hand of oppression, that hand of domination, [and replace it] with a hand of friendship, a hand of cooperation, a hand of collaboration, a hand of support.
“I would like assure the Mayor and City Council as well as the citizens of Guyana that Central Government is deeply committed to ensuring that this task before us of seeking to restore pride in our capital city will see active participation of the Central Government as we will give our full support towards this agenda,” he added.
Mayor Hamilton Green, who also spoke, encouraged Guyanese of every age to come out and support the initiative as it is a “task that must succeed.”
He went on to express his hope that the venture transforms Georgetown into what it must and can be, while noting that it is a task that requires “optimum cooperation” from the Guyanese public.
“It is up to us now to restore the city; we must have the courage, and we must have the capacity and intellectual vigour to succeed. In spite of the difficulties we may have had in the past, let us take Georgetown and return it to its glory,” he added.
Meanwhile, local marketing and branding company Impressions announced that it is working with the M&CC to extend the base of the ‘Green Campaign.’
Impressions representative Akeeda Whaul expressed the company’s willingness to support the campaign in a big way.
She said Guyanese have a culture of littering and while the cleanup activities have quickly spread throughout Guyana, the littering continues. “So, in keeping with the concept of change, we feel there is a need to constantly remind Guyanese to keep the city and country clean and green,” Whaul noted. “The only way this can be done is through an ongoing campaign that will help in changing the behavioural pattern of the people that will ultimately lead to a clean and green Georgetown,” she added.
Whaul said since Impressions is both passionate about its social responsibility and well equipped as it relates to production, the company will be working with the M&CC to produce a number of novelties and billboards for the campaign with the ultimate message being ‘keep the city clean and green.’
“We are very excited to see the green city become a reality and we encourage every Guyanese to think green city, green Guyana,” Whaul added.
Those interested in being a part of the Green Conference and Expo can choose one of three support levels: Gold, Silver or Bronze. For a contribution of $1 million, Gold supporters will receive 40ft x 40ft ground space, equipped with a 20ft x 40ft tent as well as onsite unlimited branding by Impressions. Silver supporters who contribute $500,000 will receive a 20ft x20ft tent and limited branding by Impressions, while Bronze supporters will be entitled to a 10ft x7ft pre-fab booth complete with tent, flooring, and electrical fittings.
All contributors will also receive one year’s free usage of the M&CC’s ‘Green City’ logo for public relations and promotional uses and a plaque of appreciation.
Spaces measuring 8ft x8ft will also be made available for food and beverage, gaming agencies and photo booths, among other exhibitors, at a cost of $15,000.
The conference and expo have already garnered the support of several local businesses and government agencies, including Shangri La Developments, China Trading, Star Party Rentals, Cell Phone Shack, the Environmental Protection Agency and Guyana Power and Light Company.
