We, environmentally aware citizens of Guyana, are extremely alarmed at recent reports that the rubber trees of Philbert Pierre Avenue, Mabaruma, are under threat of being cut down in order to expand the roadway. This MUST NOT be allowed to happen.

These rubber trees are over a hundred years old and an iconic part of Mabaruma- memorable to all residents and visitors. In addition- by producing oxygen necessary for human survival and absorbing harmful carbon dioxide, these trees are providing a very important public service. It is noted that those in favor of cutting down these trees have proposed a re-planting exercise. However, science has shown that on a tree by tree basis, elderly trees like the Philbert Pierre rubber trees of Mabaruma are carbon "vacuums", absorbing more carbon than younger trees (Source: http://science.time.com/2014/01/15/study-shows-older-trees-absorb-more-carbon/).

It is imperative that these trees be safeguarded and not destroyed in order to expand the roadway. We call on the Mayor of Mabaruma, the Minister of Communities, the Minister of Public Infrastructure, the project engineer(2), and all other relevant authorities to find an alternate route and/or build around these trees. Save the rubber trees of Philbert Pierre Avenue, Mabaruma!