Dear Editor,
I’m wrapping up a three-week stay in Guyana—one of the most enjoyable visits I’ve had since leaving these shores decades ago. Much of my time was spent in the countryside, especially along the Mahaica Creek, where I was reminded of the simple, down-to-earth warmth of rural life.
I soaked in the beauty of the birdlife (wow!!) —such an astonishing variety!—and indulged in more water ‘kokenut’ than I can count. Even hearing Indian music drifting from afar stirred something deeply familiar. But above all, what touched me most was the graciousness, simplicity, and hospitality of the people. That remains Guyana’s greatest treasure.
Yet the country faces real challenges. From persistent transportation issues to concerns about foreign influence, from feverish construction to rapid, often unregulated, gold extraction, and from chronic traffic problems to an array of social pressures—Guyana is changing fast. Amid all of this, one issue rises above the rest in urgency and severity: the escalating garbage problem.
Plastic bottles are everywhere. A few days ago, a rich(!) neighbour hosted a large celebration that had nuff fancy vehicles. By the next morning, Corona bottles, Canada Dry cans, and various other containers were scattered outside their gate—and remained there for days until the garbage truck finally arrived – after some fell in the drain and were left there. Canals and trenches, both in Georgetown and the countryside, are clogged with layers of plastic mixed with every imaginable kind of waste. In many places, the canals are so packed that the surface looks like a hardened sheet of debris. It is a sad and nauseating sight.
Yes, Guyana is moving forward with new opportunities from oil. But that progress loses its shine if the country ignores the growing waste problem. Something must be done immediately. The garbage situation is not just unsightly—it threatens health, the environment, and the nation’s future.
Guyana has so much beauty and potential. Addressing the garbage crisis urgently is essential to protecting both.