PAC condemns vandalism of trees along Heroes Highway

See full statement from the Protected Areas Commission:

The Protected Areas Commission (PAC), in collaboration with the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), is issuing an urgent appeal to the general public to cease the ongoing vandalism of young trees recently planted along the Heroes Highway.

Despite the installation of protective barricades designed to safeguard these plants during their critical growth phase, reports and field observations have confirmed that individuals are deliberately reaching into these enclosures to break, uproot, or otherwise damage the saplings. Further, mesh and wooden materials used for enclosures are being removed, exposing these trees to cattle traversing the roadway.

Legal action will be pursued against individuals found intentionally damaging public property.

The National Tree Planting Project

These trees represent a significant investment in Guyana’s “Green Future” under the National Tree Planting Project, a flagship initiative of the Government of Guyana. The project, jointly implemented by the PAC and the GFC, aims to enhance our landscape while addressing the global challenge of climate change. The trees being planted are more than mere aesthetic additions to our roadways; they are vital components of our national infrastructure.

A Call to Action

The PAC and GFC wishes to remind the public that these trees belong to all Guyanese. Vandalism steals from the environmental heritage of future generations.

“We are working tirelessly to build a greener, healthier Guyana, but the success of this project depends on the respect and cooperation of every citizen. We must move from being bystanders to being stewards of our environment.”

Citizens are urged to:

Desist immediately from interfering with the plants or their protective barricades.

Immediately report any acts of vandalism witnessed to PAC, the GFC, or the nearest police station.

Encourage friends and family to respect and protect our shared green spaces.