Guyana reiterates commitment to address climate change
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| Published on Thursday, March 15, 2007 |
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GEORGETOWN, Guyana (GINA): The government of Guyana has said that it is cognisant of climate changes that are occurring as a result of changing land use and other factors, and has accordingly restated its commitment to put in place appropriate mechanisms to prevent effects that may occur over the next 25 years.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, who has responsibility for the hydrometeorological sector, told the National Assembly of the importance government places on climate change and its effects. He was responding to People’s National Congress Reform Member of Parliament James McAllister’s motion calling on the Government to establish a National Commission on Climate Change and national mitigation measures.
Following hours of debate, there was consensus in the House that the motion will be considered after amendments to two clauses.
The first clause stated; the National Assembly acknowledges that climate change will have significant impact on Guyana and urges the Government to establish a National Commission to address the issue.
In the amendments proposed by Minister Persaud, the first resolved clause will take into account, “establishment and functioning of a broad-based national climate committee”.
McAllister’s second clause sought to have the National Assembly establish a Special Select Committee to prepare the Terms of Reference for the National Commission and that a report must be presented within three months. However, the amendment was passed in the House without the clause being inserted.
Minister of Health D. Leslie Ramsammy, during the debate, said the government’s concern over the effects that may occur as a result of climate change is not new.
“Dr Jagan used to talk about this a long time ago. It’s time we put aside our political views and work together on this. We have to work to protect our future generation,” Ramsammy stated.
McAllister said the recent reactivation of the National Climate Committee is a sign that the government is treating the issue immaturely. Persaud countered that the Committee was reinstituted to make it more proactive, and its members are passionate about the issue.
The National Climate Committee (NCC) has a wider membership to respond to the potential impact of climate change in Guyana. Its revised terms of reference are: to examine national conditions relating to climate change and to make recommendations to the Adviser to the President on Science, Technology, Energy and Environment and relevant Ministries on appropriate national measures to address the conditions.
It will advise on developments and the need for policies and regulations in relation to activities responding to climate change, and promote technical, scientific, technological and financial cooperation among organisations/agencies dealing with climate change issues.
A National Action Plan to address climate and its adverse impact was prepared while there have been other projects with support from CARICOM through the Caribbean Centre for Climate Change (CCCC).
Persaud said the government is at present focused on establishing a Climate Change Unit in the Hydrometeorological Service of the Ministry of Agriculture which will act as a precursor to the development of a Climate Change Centre. |
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