Dear Editor,
We note with interest the Minister’s expressed wish for a health crisis in the City, in his own words to provide the opportunity to get rid of the Mayor and Councillors.
Checks with our Medial Officer of Health revealed that there have been no new or unusual health issues since the garbage crisis.
We have a mild “flu’ outbreak which is part of a cycle that affects Guyana and neighbouring countries from time to time. Therefore, nothing unusual.
The United States of America has a whooping cough outbreak, which in the words of our Minister of Health, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy is worrisome. In neighbouring Trinidad there is a dengue outbreak, coupled with other environmental related diseases in the Caribbean.
In the City we’ve had ruptured sewerage mains at more than one location.
Let it be known that the Georgetown City Council has absolutely nothing to do with the disposal of raw sewage, which can be a more serious health hazard than garbage.
This information is necessary, brief as it is, so that if any health situation happens, and I pray to God it does not, that those who already expressed a wish will not use their substantial and effective propaganda machine to pounce upon, and blame the Georgetown Municipality for all ills.
During all this, the Public Health Department headed by Dr. Bizuayehu Jeffrey remains vigilant, ensuring that the Abattoir, the five municipal markets and eating houses comply with the rules and regulations governing the examination and slaughtering of animals, and preparation and distribution of food.
In spite of our many constraints, we will continue our efforts to secure the health and wellbeing of citizens.
In the meantime, we ask all businesses, households and institutions to dispose of garbage in sealed containers, and in each and every case to sprinkle them with a strong solution of Jeyes Fluid (disinfectant)
Further to identify vehicles that are bringing waste from along our outlying areas to get in touch with us with vehicle number etc.
Yours faithfully,
Hamilton Green, J.P.,
Mayor
