A Bartica businessman is crediting the Mayor’s drive towards green energy as his inspiration for transforming his own business into being fully powered by solar energy.
Speaking to Stabroek News last Monday, Ajay Bhyro, who owns Abriana Trading, located at 32 Second Avenue, Bartica, explained that he was always fascinated by the prospects and advantages of and green and renewable energy since he was a little boy.
“Since I was a little boy I didn’t like littering or seeing persons littering. I always believed in clean energy and always hoped that I would be able to someday do something as it relates to littering or green energy or just doing something that will actually benefit the environment,” Bhyro said.
He explained that the additional motivation and inspiration came from Mayor of Bartica Gifford Marshall, who has been promoting his “green” agenda since he came into office two years ago. “It was also inspired by the President [David Granger] with his green agenda for Bartica,” the man explained.
“After all of that I just sat one day and decided that instead of paying GPL [Guyana Power and Light] every month why don’t I just get my own energy and make an example for persons because it’s less gas,” he added.
According to Bhyro, he spent some $400,000 to purchase and install the equipment, which he did by himself and would be saving approximately $120,000 per year.
“I purchased the equipment from a store in Regent Street and everything was installed by myself and with the help of some friends,” he said, while explaining that he hopes that other businesses can follow his footsteps and all make a step towards making Bartica a green town.
He is of the opinion that the Government of Guyana, along with the local banks, should come up with a system where persons can get the equipment at a subsidised cost, in order to push the green agenda.
“I would like if everyone can afford to do it and be able to contribute towards making the country green. Climate change is an issue and we [Bartica] might be a small place but maybe we could make a difference to the world and other parts of the region if everyone steps in to make a change,” he added.
Currently, Bhyro’s setup is powering 10 4ft LED lights, two 12-volt ceiling fans and a 12-volt 24” television in his store. Marshall, also expressed his amazement on Monday to Stabroek News at Bhyro’s initiative.
“I remember Sunday mid-morning I received a message from Ajay stating that he wanted to show me something. He said his business was completely being run by solar.
All the lights, the fans, and the television and If I wanted to see the setup I could go and that he was doing it to support the green Bartica initiative,” Marshall said, while stating that he was “blown away” by the news.
“Ajay must be applauded for his efforts. We believe that this is just the beginning and many other businessmen and residents will tangibly support our greening efforts.
Bartica will move forward together. The vision must be people driven,” Marshall said.
