GEORGETOWN, GUYANA – March 24, 2025 – Recover Guyana in partnership with The Greater Guyana Initiative and The Ministry of Education launched The Water Purification and Sustainability Initiative at the West Demerara Secondary School, which will provide access to clean and refreshing drinking water, through the installation of an advanced water filtration system.
This innovative initiative will reduce the reliance on single-use plastic bottles and promote environmental sustainability. It will also create a model for sustainability, improved health, and environmental responsibility that can be adopted in schools across Guyana.
This partnership is a key step in a broader effort to promote environmental stewardship and innovation in the education sector. The Water Purification and Sustainability Initiative was proposed in 2023 by Vasana Persaud, Student of Queen’s College (QC) and Winner of the 2023 SHOUT Competition. Through Recover Guyana this initiative was first implemented, resulting in more than 30,000 single use plastic bottles reduced, to date.
Recognising the importance of sustainable water systems in the education sector and building on the success of the Queen’s College Initiative, the Water Purification and Sustainability Initiative at the West Demerara Secondary School was developed.
During the launch, Dr. Dave Lalltoo, President of Recover Guyana explained the usage of the Water Purification System. “The system transforms ordinary tap water into a clean, refreshing source of hydration using reverse osmosis and it is uniquely designed to track saved plastic bottles, fostering a culture of responsible water use and conservation,” he shared. He further stated that, “This transformative endeavor is not only about providing clean water – it’s about teaching future generations how to live sustainably and take care of our planet."
Mrs. Alicia Bess-Anderson, GGI Lead, emphasized the importance of collaboration in creating an environmentally sustainable future. She noted that the GGI, Recover Guyana and the Ministry of Education collaboration provides a unique opportunity for GGI to expand its reach to a new category of stakeholders – our Secondary Students. According to Mrs. Bess-Anderson, “The need for this project was evident. We recognized that single-use plastic bottles contribute to environmental pollution, and water purification is an ideal solution.” She further explained that the project will not only cater to the needs of the West Demerara Secondary School, but will also benefit the community, representing a fundamental shift in how we approach environmental responsibility and community health.
As part of its commitment to sustainability, this transformative project encourages students, educators, and the wider community to reduce waste and embrace more eco-friendly habits, paving the way for a greener and healthier future for all. “The West Demerara Secondary School extends profound appreciation for this water treatment facility. The teachers and students will make full use of this cutting edge technology and will ensure its safety and sustainability for as long as possible”remarked Ms. Odetta Alves, Deputy Headteacher of West Demerara Secondary School.
Representing the Ministry of Education and delivering the keynote address, Mr. Sherwyn Blackman, Assistant Chief Education Officer for Secondary Schools, highlighted the importance of this timely and worthwhile initiative noting that “Providing pure water within schools is definitely worth a celebration. This project supports an environment where everyone can thrive, an environment that is safe and contributes to long life.”
Recover Guyana, The Greater Guyana Initiative, and The Ministry of Education continue to play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable solutions in communities across Guyana.
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