Urgent need to address challenges affecting our public spaces — Blane R. Bunbury — Opinion

Urgent need to address challenges affecting our public spaces

October 14, 2026·2 min read

Dear Editor,

As a public analyst and community advocate, I am increasingly concerned about the cultural impact of negligence and the behavioural patterns of citizens and visitors who use our public and private spaces. There appears to be a growing perception that, because sanitation workers and maintenance personnel are employed to keep our surroundings clean, individuals can dispose of unwanted items wherever they please without considering the consequences.

This attitude is unacceptable and undermines our collective responsibility to maintain a clean, safe, and healthy environment. The situation is becoming increasingly disturbing, particularly when reports emerge of a baby being found in a garbage bin a few weeks ago^[1]. Such incidents remind us of the importance of public awareness, social responsibility, and the protection of human life and dignity.

I have also personally witnessed individuals experiencing homelessness defecating in a drain opposite a food canteen and supermarket, while another individual was observed bathing naked in an open drain in front of a popular hotel. These observations are not intended to sensationalise human suffering or make readers uncomfortable, but rather to highlight the urgent need for greater public sensitisation and effective solutions to the challenges affecting our public spaces.

As Guyana continues to develop its tourism industry and strengthen its international reputation, greater attention must be given to public health, environmental sanitation, and the overall quality of our surroundings. Cleanliness is not merely an aesthetic concern; it is essential to public safety, environmental protection, community well-being, and the experience of visitors who come to explore our country.

Government agencies and organisations, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have important roles to play in promoting environmental responsibility and enforcing relevant regulations.^[2] However, their efforts must be supported by citizens, businesses, property owners, and visitors. We must recognise that keeping Guyana clean requires cooperation, responsible waste disposal, and respect for shared spaces.

At the same time, individuals experiencing homelessness and other forms of vulnerability must not be overlooked. Access to appropriate sanitation facilities, social support, and humane intervention should form part of a comprehensive response. Addressing these social challenges alongside public education and responsible waste management will help us create cleaner, safer, and more dignified communities.

Every citizen has a role to play in maintaining clean homes, businesses, neighbourhoods, and public spaces. We must work together to uphold appropriate sanitation standards, protect our natural environment, and mitigate the effects of climate change. National development requires more than infrastructure and economic growth; it also requires a culture of civic responsibility and respect for the environment we share.

Ultimately, a cleaner Guyana requires more than people employed to clean; it requires a population willing to take responsibility for keeping it clean. Let us work hand in hand with the relevant authorities to safeguard public health, protect our environment, and preserve our country’s image as a welcoming destination for residents and visitors alike. We are all part of this effort, and our collective actions will determine the Guyana we leave for future generations.

Sincerely,
Mr Blane R Bunbury
Public Communications Analyst
& community advocate

References

Woman Charged After Baby Found in Sydney Bin — ozarab.media ↩
EPA REAFFIRMS COURT OF APPEAL DECISION, FULL LIABILITY OF PERMIT HOLDERS, AND COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION - Guyana Times — guyanatimesgy.com ↩

Source

Urgent need to address challenges affecting our public spaces in Kiskadee Watch, October 14, 2026

EPA REAFFIRMS COURT OF APPEAL DECISION, FULL LIABILITY OF PERMIT HOLDERS, AND COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION - Guyana Times # EPA REAFFIRMS COURT OF APPEAL DECISION, FULL LIABILITY OF PERMIT HOLDERS, AND COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION May 17, 2026 The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) welcomes the recent unanimous ruling of the Guyana Court of Appeal concerning financial assurance requirements for offshore petroleum operations. The Court of Appeal overturned an earlier High Court ruling, which had directed the EPA to require an unlimited parent company guarantee and/or unlimited affiliate company guarantee from Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited (EEPGL), failing which the environmental permit would stand suspended. The Court found that neither the Environmental Protection Act nor the environmental permit expressly requires an “unlimited” financial guarantee. The Court further held that the EPA, as the lawful environmental regulator, is the body responsible for determining the appropriate form and level of financial assurance required under the law. EPA HAS ALWAYS MAINTAINED THAT PERMIT HOLDERS HAVE FULL LIABILITY UNDER THE LAW The EPA wishes to make it absolutely clear to the public that the agency has always maintained, both publicly and through permit conditions, that permit holders remain fully liable under the law for any environmental harm, pollution, damage, or loss caused by their operations. This principle is already embedded within Guyana’s environmental legal framework and is separate and distinct from the issue of financial assurance. Under Section 14 of the Environmental Protection Act, Cap. 20:05, the law states: “Where any person causes or permits any contaminant to be discharged into the environment in violation of this Act or any regulations made thereunder, and the discharge causes damage to the environment, that person shall be liable for the cost of any necessary restoration or remedial measures.” The EPA notes that, in law, ‘liability’ refers to a legal responsibility or obligation for environmental harm and may include the following: clean-up and restoration costs compensation where applicable; enforcement action penalties prosecution and any other legal remedies available under the laws of Guyana. In simple terms, this means that if a company causes environmental harm, it can be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. #### FINANCIAL ASSURANCE IS NOT THE SAME AS LIABILITY The EPA further clarifies that financial assurance and liability are separate legal concepts. Financial assurance is a regulatory safeguard or financial mechanism required by the EPA to help demonstrate that a company has the financial capability and resources to meet environmental obligations if necessary. Liability, however, is the underlying legal responsibility for environmental harm or damages caused. The Court of Appeal’s ruling addressed the issue of financial assurance under the environmental permit. It did not remove, reduce, or weaken the legal liability of permit holders under Guyanese law. CONTINUED REGULATORY OVERSIGHT The EPA continues to regulate petroleum operations through environmental permits, monitoring requirements, inspections, reporting obligations, and enforcement mechanisms established under the Environmental Protection Act. The Agency remains committed to ensuring that permit holders comply with all environmental obligations and that the polluter bears responsibility for environmental harm in accordance with the law. EPA REMAINS COMMITTED TO THE RULE OF LAW The EPA reiterates that it remains committed to transparent, evidence-based, and legally sound environmental regulation. The Agency will continue to carry out its mandate to protect Guyana’s environment, marine ecosystems, coastline, and communities while ensuring that environmental laws and permit conditions are fully enforced.