Dear Editor,
Guyana and the rest of the world celebrated World Environment Day on June 5, 2012.
Years ago, after the horrors and dislocation of the Second World War followed by the stress of the Cold War, mankind focused on the ability to produce weapons of unimaginable destructive power. The massive destruction of the atomic bomb dropped on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki must have been in the minds of leaders during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, at a time when the superpowers had accumulated enough destructive weapons to wipe out every living thing on planet earth.
Mankind recognized that because of our genius and scientific and technological advances, we could produce many comforts to make life easy and enjoyable. Our research allowed us to cure many hitherto incurable diseases, and in some cases, to eradicate some infections completely. Travel was made faster and easier. We even reached the moon. This is the irony of our world.
We could build great things and at the same time destroy.
At one point, the world was divided on this question of the environment. Those with the machinery and power to exploit the natural resources of the less developed – the rich – ignored the evidence of the harm as a result of environment degradation. Happily as we celebrated World Environment Day yesterday, there is now a clarion call for a green economy that should involve every citizen of every state. In primary, secondary and tertiary educational institutions, efforts are being made to foster opportunities for our young people, and there is a greater understanding of the importance of sustainable development for the long-term stability of each nation’s economy, Further, the importance of developing and training a group of youths who can be a catalyst for a safe freedom and greener world is recognized.
I noted with great satisfaction that our Head of State led a march on Sunday, June 3, 2012 at which it was said that efforts are to be made for greater citizen involvement on the question of the environment. This is both noble and timely, and coming from our national leadership, it gives us optimism for the future.
The question of the environment has to do with every aspect of our lives, whether it is the wanton felling of trees, the pollution of our streams and waterways, or the inadequate disposal of our waste. The city has a concern for the last two circumstances, and it hoped that the President and his administration will find appropriate ways to cooperate with the administration of the nation’s capital and indeed, all of the towns and communities. Central and city government cooperation is vital – a co-operation that transcends political and all other considerations.
The environment is about people, not some people, but all of our people, and the degradation and misuse would bite us all, not only mosquitoes, flies and rodents which spread diseases and cause illnesses. No one, no matter how high, can be insulated or isolated from harm.
Yours faithfully,
Hamilton Green, JP
