World Environment Day: PM Mark Phillips assures Guyanese to eradicate plastic pollution

Georgetown, Guyana: Prime Minister of Guyana, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips called for decisive action to eradicate plastic pollution during his feature remarks at the World Environment Day Green Walk and Exhibition 2023, organised by the Environmental Protection Agency, according to the update by the Office of the Prime Minister.

During the event in Georgetown, the Senior Government Official noted that plastic pollution “remains a major obstacle in the global effort to preserve and protect the planet and its people”.

Further, he emphasised on the campaign and theme of this year’s World Environment Day, and said, “Our planet and country’s health are at stake and it is our responsibility to halt the relentless tide of plastic pollution. Let us pledge to help educate our nation and our communities about ending pollution. And in so doing, inspire a shift in collective behaviour, one that will lead to a cleaner and healthier environment for the present and future generations.”

The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of protecting the environment by curtailing the use of single-use plastics, which the Government intends to pursue aggressively following widespread public consultations, strengthened regulations and public awareness.

“Our Government is going to make a serious point to eradicate plastic pollution…We have to also take action to enforce our existing anti-pollution laws. I intend to ask the Environmental Protection Agency and our local authorities to step up to intercept and arrest pollutants and place them before the court. Pollution, including plastic pollution, has consequences. We also must strengthen regulation,” he outlined.

He went on to say, “We have to launch a massive public education campaign beginning in our schools to emphasise the need to bring an end to pollution.”

Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud, members of the diplomatic community along with the staff and heads of several government agencies were among the attendees of the event.