epa

Senior Environmental Officer Mrs. Sonia Gumbs-Luke delivering a presentation to attendees.

During March 15-16, 2021, the Agency conducted a two-day workshop at its Whim Office in Region 6 which targeted developers/owners from gas stations located in Region 5 and 6. The objectives were to raise awareness on the EPA’s Environmental Authorisation Process and applicable regulations for gas stations/ bunkering operations, and ensure gas station operators are equipped with the relevant knowledge to become authorised and remain compliant. Additionally, emphasis was placed on the requirements and importance of submitting annual reports and the need for all their fire equipment to be serviced periodically.  This was one of a series of capacity-building planned throughout this year to avoid and reduce incidences of spillage and manifestation of potential hazards.

On April 22 Guyana and the rest of the world observed Earth Day. This annual event raises awareness of the pertinent issues affecting the Earth and to take action. Since its establishment in 1970, EARTHDAY.ORG has added some 75,000 partners in over 190 plus countries which resulted in an overwhelming drive to take positive actions for our planet. These actions range from combating poor air quality caused by manufacturing industries to land and water pollution spurred on by population increase and agricultural operations. The theme “Restore Our Earth” for Earth Day 2021 is so relevant because of the impact of last years’ more than ninety-nine (99) wild fires killing over three (3) billion animals in Australia alone, and the Amazon wildfire in our neighboring country of Brazil where thousands of animals were killed, including the endangered jaguar and their habitat destroyed.

The Infrastructure and Project Management Sector of the EPA has numerous projects relative to the construction of small, medium, and large-scale commercial and industrial buildings. Moreover, in addition to the construction of the aforementioned buildings, the construction or operation of facilities such as zoological parks and other green spaces come under the purview of this department.

One of the department’s major projects requesting renewal of Environmental Authorisation was the construction of Hyde Park Zoo Sanctuary and Tropical Gardens. The proposed project will facilitate a spectacle of various animals, some native to Guyana, and others from around the world. According to the project documents, the proposed facility will be the first of its kind in Guyana and will promote conservation, employment for various specialists, recreation for families, education for kids in a safe, healthy, and serene environment.

The proposed development is being established at areas PML1 and VML2 of Tract “H” all being portions of Lots C and D comprising the South Half of North Plantation and North Half of Lots 10, 11, and 12 of Land of Canaan on the East Bank of Demerara. The total land area of the overall site is 186 acres, of which 36 acres will be taken up by the proposed facility.

 In the face of COVID-19, the Agency's Administrative Division continues to value each employee as an irreplaceable human capital. In doing so, the Agency views the Administrative Division and the work of each staff as paramount to its day-to-day operation. Building resilient staff allows for the mandate of the EPA to be executed, even as the country faces these unprecedented times.

The drivers, cleaners, handyman, and office assistants all contribute to ensuring that the workspace is cleaned and maintained regularly, adequate transportation is made readily available and payments and mails are delivered in a timely manner. Aside from the axillary staff, the Human Resources, Procurement, Finance, GIS/IT Technology, and Administrative Support Units form the dynamic synergy that keeps the Agency going.

The work of the Agency is considered an essential service, and the Administrative Division supports each programme area to ensure that all the necessary resources, tools, and services are made available in a manner consistent with efficiency and effective management.

Pictured above: Staff of the Administrative Unit (Human Resources, Procurement, Finance, GIS/IT Technology/, and Administrative Support Units)