Latest update March 28th, 2024 12:59 AM
Aug 28, 2014 News
– Region 8 most recent location
The Ministry of Amerindian Affairs, in collaboration with the Office of Climate Change (OCC), held an awareness programme pertaining to the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), with residents of Kato and other surrounding villages in Potaro-Siparuni on Monday last, as part of a countrywide outreach.
Held at the Kato Nursery and Primary School facilities, a large attendance from Paramakatoi, Kanapang, Kurukubaru, Kamana, Monkey Mountain and other villages, came out to participate in the programme, which was addressed by the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai and the Head of the Office of Climate Change (OCC), Gitanjali Chandarpal.
The OCC Head explained to the gathering that there has been significant change in weather patterns worldwide, during the past century. She said that climate change has been occurring rapidly and each country and citizen must play a role in fighting it, as the impacts are being felt locally and internationally.
She also pointed out that as a result of global climate change; the world has experienced a general one degree rise in temperature over the last century, which can evolve into a four-degree rise over the next few years, if strong measures are not taken to prevent it.
As part of Guyana’s effort to address the issue of climate change, Chandarpal said that several partnerships have been formed and initiatives implemented, citing the Guyana-Norway agreement, which has thus far garnered US$115 M.
With Guyana having a landmass of 85 percent forested land, Chandarpal said that the country has maintained a generally low deforestation rate over the years, and she emphasised that sustainable forestry practices are important.
Amerindian Affairs Minister, Pauline Sukhai, highlighted the important role that the indigenous people of Guyana can play in addressing the issue of climate change and global warming, as they have been “good stewards” of the forest for decades.
Minister Sukhai emphasised that the LCDS is geared towards benefitting all Guyanese, and noted that some may want to suggest that only the Amerindian people and villages are benefiting from it.
To dismiss this perception, she highlighted the example of an LCDS component, involving the rehabilitation of the Cunha Canal, which will serve several communities on the coastland, aiding in drainage and irrigation issues. In addition, she said the canal will promote numerous farming communities.
The Minister also took the opportunity to implore leaders of the government to play a greater role in educating hinterland residents on issues that affect their environment. She pointed out that it is a norm for citizens to hold government to high expectations, but they too have an important role to play in climate change.
Minister Sukhai noted that the indigenous communities should stand up against those who seek to abuse the forest and the environment.
Speaking directly to the issue of mining and foresting in the hinterland communities, the Minister told the residents that it is their “right” to ensure that these trades are carried out in a sustainable way.
Since the launch of the LCDS strategy, there have been awareness and consultation programmes countrywide.
The government’s objectives are not only informing and highlighting stakeholders on the LCDS, but are also geared towards gathering their concerns, their input and any comments that they would have toward the strategy.
THIS IDIOT TELLING GUYANA WE HAVE NO SAY IN THE 50% PROFIT SHARING AGREEMENT WE HAVE WITH EXXON.
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