2010 ‘Champion of the Earth’ awardee returns to grand reception

Apr 28, 2010 News

Head of State Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday returned to Guyana and was greeted with the melodious sound of the Guyana Police Force band as well as a barrage of rhythmic drumming, all aimed at congratulating him as being one of the recipients of the United Nations’ 2010 Champion of the Earth Award.
The president was met by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and members of the Cabinet as he was given a red carpet welcome and was ushered to a waiting gathering of a large cross section of Guyanese, including scores of schoolchildren, as well as several leading businessmen.
Following the welcome home at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Jagdeo along with a huge motorcade made their way to the city. There was applause all along the way by throngs of schoolchildren waving flags and posters as well as some well wishers.
At the welcome reception, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds told the gathering that given the modest nature of the president when bestowed with such an honour, the event organised was a surprise to him.
He said that the work of Jagdeo as it relates to his advocacy for a united stance on the fight against climate change is similar to that of the late President Cheddi Jagan with his push for a New Global Order.
Hinds also drew reference to the fact that the work of Jagdeo also followed suit in the vein of the works of the late President Desmond Hoyte as it relates to the land he made available to promote sustainable use of the rain forest, namely the Iwokrama programme.
Jagdeo told the gathering that no democratically elected leader of a country could lay claim to such an award given that he or she is just acting in pursuit of the aspirations of their people.
He stressed that it was not a personal award, but rather as he had articulated in the past, it was in recognition of the work done over the years by many Guyanese.
He said that indigenous people have a special role in protecting the resources of the forest as they have been doing for centuries.
Jagdeo drew reference to the fact that in some countries indigenous people are being displaced but his administration is of the opinion that they must be protected.
Jagdeo said that as it relates to his advocacy it is about justice and equity in that Guyana has a vast resource that provides a service to the world and as such the country must be paid for it.
He told the gathering that it was not just about saving the world but about ensuring a future for the generations to come.
Jagdeo said that when he first embarked on his mission there were several critics, “many thought it was a harebrain…many said Jagdeo crazy.”
But he noted that there are now fruits of labour, pointing to the deal sealed with Norway which would see some US$250M flowing in Guyana’s direction over the next five years.
He said that in the future as much as US$500M a year could be flowing Guyana’s way as a result of the carbon services rendered.
This he said would be more than many of Guyana’s lead export commodities combined and the money could be used to invest in the people of Guyana in areas such as health, education and job creation, drawing reference to the fibre optic cable that the government will be landing and which is set to create thousands of jobs.

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2010 ‘Champion of the Earth’ awardee returns to grand reception

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