The world has recognized President Jagdeo's leadership in various areas so why not we Guyanese.
Day of appreciation planned for President Jagdeo
Guyanese from all walks of life, along with friends of Guyana will come together in one accord on Friday September 16th celebrate the achievements of President Jagdeo.
Setting new precedent, the appreciation comes while the President is still in Office. It should be remembered that it was President Jagdeo who signed into law changes to the Constitution limiting the term of office for the Head of State. He will be one of the first in the Caribbean to gracefully demit office because of his signing into law the constitutional term limit.
Bharrat Jagdeo’s contributions to Guyana’s development and that of the region are unmatched.
According to the organizers of this gala event, this day will see thousands converging on the Guyana National Stadium for an evening of reflection and celebration saturated with pomp and ceremony.
Parachutes from the Guyana Defence Force, Gymkhana stunts from the Guyana Police Force, Renditions from the Joint Services’ Choir and presentations by all ethnic and religious groups are expected to be part of the programme.
The Organizing Committee for the President’s Day of Appreciation can be contacted on Tel: 592-225-5564 or email: hepjad@gmail.com
***********************************************
GUYANA’S UNIQUE PRESIDENTIAL EVENT … ‘night of appreciation’ for President Jagdeo
Written by Rickey Singh --in Barbados Wednesday, 14 September 2011 02:58 Source - Guyana Chronicle
President Bharrat Jagdeo
A UNIQUE political event is scheduled to take place in Guyana on Friday night at the Providence National Stadium—a venue best known regionally and internationally for cricket.
It is being promoted as a “night of appreciation” for the country’s Head of State and Government, President Bharrat Jagdeo.
And the uniqueness of the occasion resides in the fact that in the political history of Guyana, this will be the first time a celebratory event has been organised to bid farewell to a Head of Government prior to his departure from office.
Home of the CARICOM Secretariat and a founding member of the Community, Guyana’s constitutional governance system is quite different in some critical areas from those of its partners. For a start, it is a republic with an Executive President endowed with enormous powers. There is also the difference in its electoral system of proportional representation (PR), in comparison to the first-past-the-post, or “winner-takes—all” model.
So far as the President is concerned, he/she is restricted to only two consecutive five-year terms in office. And this, basically, explains why non-government organizations, private sector enterprises and the governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP) are involved--(at no cost to the state, I have been told)-with Friday’s “night of appreciation”. Tributes will be paid to the “outstanding achievements” of President Jagdeo who would actually have served a dozen years when he demits that office, possibly in November, when new parliamentary and presidential elections are scheduled.
The extra two years, beyond the constitutional two consecutive five-year terms, requires a bit of explanation. He was first sworn in as President, in August 1999, then just 35 years, following the resignation of President Janet Jagan, widow of the late President Dr Cheddi Jagan, who died in office in March 1997.
Cheddi Jagan, who returned to government at the October 1992 general elections, was the second Executive President to die in office, the first being Forbes Burnham, architect of the republican constitution.
For Jagdeo, a development economist and former Finance Minister, his first and second five-year terms were achieved by decisive electoral victories for the PPP. He was to lead a steady path to social and economic development with the international financial institutions and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), pointing to consistent growth rates over recent years, the latest being a unique five percent for the region in the first half of 2011.
His domestic political opponents are, understandably, anxious to see his back and have precious little, if any positive things, to say about him. But even Jagdeo’s most strident critics would find it difficult to ignore his crusading zeal and commitment to Guyana’s social and economic transformation that has been taking place—with a mix of political blunders and natural disasters—over his 12-year tenure as President. Current dispassionate assessments of Guyana’s social and economic progress by the international financial institutions may perhaps better be appreciated when contrasted with 24 years of controversial rule by the now main opposition People’s National Congress (PNC).
That the “appreciation night” for President Jagdeo will take place amid near completion of arrangements for the coming parliamentary and presidential elections will not be ignored by his opponents. It has to take place before the official elections campaign is announced. What would, however, be relevant for those involved in organising Friday’s “appreciation” event is how far Guyana has progressed in socio-economic and cultural advancement, with Jagdeo, first as Finance Minister, and then for 12 years as President. In relation to visionary economic projects, Jagdeo may have effectively stamped his leadership on Guyana’s high-profile initiatives to preserve the country’s forest resources within the framework of the current challenging international issue of climate change. He is regarded as the primary architect of the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).
An official blurb on his presidency reminds that “from being one of the most indebted countries per capita in the world, Guyana has, under President Jagdeo’s prudent and visionary leadership, been restored to the path of debt sustainability and international creditworthiness…..”
However, perhaps his more outstanding legacy could be his sustained efforts to heal the bewildering ethnic/social divisions that have, for too long, plagued Guyana, and, consequently blunting somewhat the full impact of achievements across the coastland and hinterland regions over the 19 years of governments by the PPP.
***********************************************
President Jagdeo named first Goodwill Ambassador for global tropical forests
Written by Sunday, 05 June 2011 04:54
GUYANA’S President Bharrat Jagdeo has been named the world's first Goodwill Ambassador for tropical rainforests by leaders of the Amazonian, Congo and Borneo-Mekong basins meeting in Congo’s capital, Brazzaville.
The proposal that he should be so named came from President of the Republic of Congo and host of the meeting, Dennis Sasso Nguesso, and is in recognition of the Guyanese President’s global leadership on forest and climate change issues.
Though not a full-time position, the Goodwill Ambassadorship will take effect when President Jagdeo demits office as president following the holding of general and regional elections here.
The announcement was greeted by thunderous applause by delegates attending the meeting during the closing session Friday.
In 2010, President Jagdeo earned the title of the United Nations Champion of the Earth.
Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud, who has responsibility for forests, accompanied President Jagdeo to the summit.
Guyana’s Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) received high praise at the forum and its efforts in the international arena to combat climate change were recognized.
President Bharrat Jagdeo addressing the Summit for Forest Countries in the Republic of Congo
Guyana, in turn, has offered to work with other countries with their climate change efforts.
The Amazon, Congo, and Borneo-Mekong, three tropical forest basins of the world, account for 80% of the world's tropical forests and two thirds of terrestrial biodiversity.
These basins are not only important to the extensive forest and biodiversity resources that they hold, but more importantly are also recognized as a source of livelihood for more than one billion people.
Leaders from countries in the Amazon, Borneo, Mekong and Congo Basins held a week-long meeting last week in Congo at the Brazzaville Tropical Forest Summit to find shared solutions to save their forests, and support the fight against the devastating consequences of climate change.
The conclusion of that meet saw progress on sustainable management and restoration of forests through an agreement on a joint declaration. The discussions will continue at the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) meeting in November 2011, and next year’s Earth Summit in Rio, Brazil. By then, leaders will have committed to an official cooperative agreement on forest preservation.
The Amazon Basin includes territory belonging to nine nations, namely: Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana.
The countries within the Congo Basin are Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, the Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia. Borneo is made up of three countries, namely: Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia, while the Mekong region is made up of China, Burma, Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia.
***********************************************
President Jagdeo conferred with doctorate of literature
February 10, 2011 By admin
Ignited minds: Preisident Bharrat Jagdeo (centre), Professor Makarand Jawdekar (second from right), and Prof M. S. Swaminathan
President Bharrat Jagdeo was on Tuesday, February 8th, conferred with an honorary doctorate of literature by the Padmashree Dr DY Patil University in Mumbai, India, at its Annual Convocation Ceremony.
In accepting the award, President Jagdeo alluded to the global trends of greater access to information, which will change the demand for educational services and technical expertise. According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) release, the president said that India has emerged as a leader in modernising and expanding education to meet its domestic demand, while strategically positioning itself to offer this expertise to other countries.
The president also challenged the more than 1000 graduates to continue to excel in their respective disciplines as they venture into the world of employment, and to understand the linkages between the various disciplines and the environment, and how the global environment and the rapid, unprecedented changes taking place will influence every sector and every academic discipline.
In recognising the global challenges, President Jagdeo pointed to the opportunities for many cultures to work together. The rich cultural heritage and traditions of India and Guyana have provided a good foundation for the two countries to continue to work closely. The sterling contribution by the DY Patil Group towards improving the education sector in India was also commended.
Professor MS Swaminathan, in his presentation, lauded the effort by the university to recognise President Jagdeo, the important contribution Guyana has been making towards sustainable forest management, and the lessons being offered that can serve globally as examples for other forested countries.
The Padmashree Dr DY Patil University is part of the DY Patil Group, one of the largest groups in India in the area of private education. It has more than 100 educational institutions, with over 100,000 students, and it covers a range of disciplines.
Another recipient was Dr. Makarand Jawadekar, former executive of Pfizer global research and development, who received a Doctor of Science.
*********************************************
President Jagdeo conferred Honorary Doctorate
Saturday, 06 February 2010 00:00
President Bharrat Jagdeo was today conferred an Honorary Doctorate by the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia before 6,000 invited people. The Guyanese Head of State attended the University 20 years ago where he obtained his Masters Degree in Economics.
President Jagdeo was selected by the Academic Board of the University on January 25, 2010 for the award.
President Bharrat Jagdeo expressing gratitude to the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, after being conferred with an honorary doctorate, in the Kremlin, February 6, 2010.
The conferral ceremony was performed in the Kremlin on the 50th Anniversary celebration of the founding of the University established by the Government of the Soviet Union on February 5, 1960.
President Jagdeo in receiving the honour delivered a speech in Russian to the packed auditorium, his first Russian address since attending the university.
The Guyanese Leader thanked the University for presenting him the honour and praised the institution for its multiculturalism.
**********************************************
Prince Charles praises President Jagdeo’s “incredible leadership”
Friday, 20 November 2009 00:00
…at meeting of his Rainforest Project at St. James Palace, London
Prince Charles, at a meeting yesterday of his Rainforest Fund at St. James’s Palace, London to discuss emergency funding to tackle tropical deforestation, praised President Bharrat Jagdeo’s “incredible leadership” in combating climate change by dedicating Guyana’s entire forests to the cause.
“I would particularly like to thank President Jagdeo of Guyana. He has shown incredible leadership in all this,” the Prince stated.
The meeting, a few weeks before the important 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Copenhagen, Denmark from December 7 to 18, arrived at a consensus which comes in the form of an inter-governmental report produced by the Informal Working Group (IWG) of 35 countries, that was set up after the meeting of the G-20 leaders, convened by The Prince at St James’s Palace in April.
The IWG report outlines a process that would reward rainforest countries for reducing deforestation rates. Payments would be made on a performance basis, and by ensuring that the forests are worth more alive than dead the financing is aimed at encouraging rainforest countries to pursue more sustainable forms of economic development.
Prince Charles was also high in praise for the Government of Norway with which Guyana had signed a Memorandum of Understanding on November 9 that could see the country accessing up to US$250M by 2015 in return for preserving its forests.
“We also owe an enormous amount to the Government of Norway for their remarkable leadership and also, dare I say it, for their money! I really would also like to express even more gratitude to the Norwegian government for their labour of love in providing the Secretariat for the IWG,” he stated.
The Prince urged the world’s Governments to deliver new public finance commitments to provide the funding that the IWG has demonstrated is necessary to reduce deforestation by 25% by 2015.
“When you think that 25% in global reduction could be achieved on the basis of additional financing of €15-25B, starting at about €1B in 2010 and increasing to €5.5B per year in 2015, that isn’t much money really when you think about it and if we could achieve it, it would provide the largest reduction in emissions possible over the period…equivalent to perhaps as much as seven gigatons of carbon dioxide and that’s more than the annual emissions of China or the US,” he explained.
The Prince of Wales attends a meeting for The Prince's Rainforests Project at St. James's Palace with, left, Hans Brattskar, Special Advisor of the Government of Norway's International Climate and Forestry Initiative, The President of Guyana, and right, The President of Gabon. © Press Association.
The Prince noted that it has been inspiring to hear the private sector describe how they can play their part in bringing about a future where productivity and sustainability go hand in hand, and to hear of national plans such as Guyana’s to combat deforestation.
“To hear of the government-backed initiatives already underway in Brazil and Guyana that can make this (reducing deforestation) a reality in two very different kinds of rainforest nations are two messages of precious hope,” he enthused.
Guyana’s Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which was launched on June 8 and has gone through a four-month, exhaustive national consultative process, is the first national plan that seeks to combat climate change by preserving forests.
It has received international recognition and many renowned personalities and organizations, including the Prince, have joined the efforts.
Conservation International, movie-star Harrison Ford, the Clinton Foundation, the Governments of Norway, and Australia, whose Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, had expressed his country’s interest in collaborating with Guyana in the global effort to address climate change after lauding Guyana’s leadership on climate change during a bilateral meeting with President Jagdeo in New York in September, are supporters.
Australia has committed to support Guyana’s Monitoring Reporting and Verification (MRV) system.
Also, at yesterday’s meeting, the United States pledged US$275M to rainforest protection, which would come from US$1.2B assistance for international programmes, part of a 2010 budget currently pending US Congressional approval.
The funds would aim "to protect biodiversity and support sustainable landscapes in fiscal year 2010 ... with a focus on protection of tropical forests".
************************************************
Day of appreciation planned for President Jagdeo
Guyanese from all walks of life, along with friends of Guyana will come together in one accord on Friday September 16th celebrate the achievements of President Jagdeo.
Setting new precedent, the appreciation comes while the President is still in Office. It should be remembered that it was President Jagdeo who signed into law changes to the Constitution limiting the term of office for the Head of State. He will be one of the first in the Caribbean to gracefully demit office because of his signing into law the constitutional term limit.
Bharrat Jagdeo’s contributions to Guyana’s development and that of the region are unmatched.
According to the organizers of this gala event, this day will see thousands converging on the Guyana National Stadium for an evening of reflection and celebration saturated with pomp and ceremony.
Parachutes from the Guyana Defence Force, Gymkhana stunts from the Guyana Police Force, Renditions from the Joint Services’ Choir and presentations by all ethnic and religious groups are expected to be part of the programme.
The Organizing Committee for the President’s Day of Appreciation can be contacted on Tel: 592-225-5564 or email: hepjad@gmail.com
***********************************************
GUYANA’S UNIQUE PRESIDENTIAL EVENT … ‘night of appreciation’ for President Jagdeo
Written by Rickey Singh --in Barbados Wednesday, 14 September 2011 02:58 Source - Guyana Chronicle
President Bharrat Jagdeo
A UNIQUE political event is scheduled to take place in Guyana on Friday night at the Providence National Stadium—a venue best known regionally and internationally for cricket.
It is being promoted as a “night of appreciation” for the country’s Head of State and Government, President Bharrat Jagdeo.
And the uniqueness of the occasion resides in the fact that in the political history of Guyana, this will be the first time a celebratory event has been organised to bid farewell to a Head of Government prior to his departure from office.
Home of the CARICOM Secretariat and a founding member of the Community, Guyana’s constitutional governance system is quite different in some critical areas from those of its partners. For a start, it is a republic with an Executive President endowed with enormous powers. There is also the difference in its electoral system of proportional representation (PR), in comparison to the first-past-the-post, or “winner-takes—all” model.
So far as the President is concerned, he/she is restricted to only two consecutive five-year terms in office. And this, basically, explains why non-government organizations, private sector enterprises and the governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP) are involved--(at no cost to the state, I have been told)-with Friday’s “night of appreciation”. Tributes will be paid to the “outstanding achievements” of President Jagdeo who would actually have served a dozen years when he demits that office, possibly in November, when new parliamentary and presidential elections are scheduled.
The extra two years, beyond the constitutional two consecutive five-year terms, requires a bit of explanation. He was first sworn in as President, in August 1999, then just 35 years, following the resignation of President Janet Jagan, widow of the late President Dr Cheddi Jagan, who died in office in March 1997.
Cheddi Jagan, who returned to government at the October 1992 general elections, was the second Executive President to die in office, the first being Forbes Burnham, architect of the republican constitution.
For Jagdeo, a development economist and former Finance Minister, his first and second five-year terms were achieved by decisive electoral victories for the PPP. He was to lead a steady path to social and economic development with the international financial institutions and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), pointing to consistent growth rates over recent years, the latest being a unique five percent for the region in the first half of 2011.
His domestic political opponents are, understandably, anxious to see his back and have precious little, if any positive things, to say about him. But even Jagdeo’s most strident critics would find it difficult to ignore his crusading zeal and commitment to Guyana’s social and economic transformation that has been taking place—with a mix of political blunders and natural disasters—over his 12-year tenure as President. Current dispassionate assessments of Guyana’s social and economic progress by the international financial institutions may perhaps better be appreciated when contrasted with 24 years of controversial rule by the now main opposition People’s National Congress (PNC).
That the “appreciation night” for President Jagdeo will take place amid near completion of arrangements for the coming parliamentary and presidential elections will not be ignored by his opponents. It has to take place before the official elections campaign is announced. What would, however, be relevant for those involved in organising Friday’s “appreciation” event is how far Guyana has progressed in socio-economic and cultural advancement, with Jagdeo, first as Finance Minister, and then for 12 years as President. In relation to visionary economic projects, Jagdeo may have effectively stamped his leadership on Guyana’s high-profile initiatives to preserve the country’s forest resources within the framework of the current challenging international issue of climate change. He is regarded as the primary architect of the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).
An official blurb on his presidency reminds that “from being one of the most indebted countries per capita in the world, Guyana has, under President Jagdeo’s prudent and visionary leadership, been restored to the path of debt sustainability and international creditworthiness…..”
However, perhaps his more outstanding legacy could be his sustained efforts to heal the bewildering ethnic/social divisions that have, for too long, plagued Guyana, and, consequently blunting somewhat the full impact of achievements across the coastland and hinterland regions over the 19 years of governments by the PPP.
***********************************************
President Jagdeo named first Goodwill Ambassador for global tropical forests
Written by Sunday, 05 June 2011 04:54
GUYANA’S President Bharrat Jagdeo has been named the world's first Goodwill Ambassador for tropical rainforests by leaders of the Amazonian, Congo and Borneo-Mekong basins meeting in Congo’s capital, Brazzaville.
The proposal that he should be so named came from President of the Republic of Congo and host of the meeting, Dennis Sasso Nguesso, and is in recognition of the Guyanese President’s global leadership on forest and climate change issues.
Though not a full-time position, the Goodwill Ambassadorship will take effect when President Jagdeo demits office as president following the holding of general and regional elections here.
The announcement was greeted by thunderous applause by delegates attending the meeting during the closing session Friday.
In 2010, President Jagdeo earned the title of the United Nations Champion of the Earth.
Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud, who has responsibility for forests, accompanied President Jagdeo to the summit.
Guyana’s Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) received high praise at the forum and its efforts in the international arena to combat climate change were recognized.
President Bharrat Jagdeo addressing the Summit for Forest Countries in the Republic of Congo
Guyana, in turn, has offered to work with other countries with their climate change efforts.
The Amazon, Congo, and Borneo-Mekong, three tropical forest basins of the world, account for 80% of the world's tropical forests and two thirds of terrestrial biodiversity.
These basins are not only important to the extensive forest and biodiversity resources that they hold, but more importantly are also recognized as a source of livelihood for more than one billion people.
Leaders from countries in the Amazon, Borneo, Mekong and Congo Basins held a week-long meeting last week in Congo at the Brazzaville Tropical Forest Summit to find shared solutions to save their forests, and support the fight against the devastating consequences of climate change.
The conclusion of that meet saw progress on sustainable management and restoration of forests through an agreement on a joint declaration. The discussions will continue at the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) meeting in November 2011, and next year’s Earth Summit in Rio, Brazil. By then, leaders will have committed to an official cooperative agreement on forest preservation.
The Amazon Basin includes territory belonging to nine nations, namely: Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana.
The countries within the Congo Basin are Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, the Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Zambia. Borneo is made up of three countries, namely: Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia, while the Mekong region is made up of China, Burma, Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia.
***********************************************
President Jagdeo conferred with doctorate of literature
February 10, 2011 By admin
Ignited minds: Preisident Bharrat Jagdeo (centre), Professor Makarand Jawdekar (second from right), and Prof M. S. Swaminathan
President Bharrat Jagdeo was on Tuesday, February 8th, conferred with an honorary doctorate of literature by the Padmashree Dr DY Patil University in Mumbai, India, at its Annual Convocation Ceremony.
In accepting the award, President Jagdeo alluded to the global trends of greater access to information, which will change the demand for educational services and technical expertise. According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) release, the president said that India has emerged as a leader in modernising and expanding education to meet its domestic demand, while strategically positioning itself to offer this expertise to other countries.
The president also challenged the more than 1000 graduates to continue to excel in their respective disciplines as they venture into the world of employment, and to understand the linkages between the various disciplines and the environment, and how the global environment and the rapid, unprecedented changes taking place will influence every sector and every academic discipline.
In recognising the global challenges, President Jagdeo pointed to the opportunities for many cultures to work together. The rich cultural heritage and traditions of India and Guyana have provided a good foundation for the two countries to continue to work closely. The sterling contribution by the DY Patil Group towards improving the education sector in India was also commended.
Professor MS Swaminathan, in his presentation, lauded the effort by the university to recognise President Jagdeo, the important contribution Guyana has been making towards sustainable forest management, and the lessons being offered that can serve globally as examples for other forested countries.
The Padmashree Dr DY Patil University is part of the DY Patil Group, one of the largest groups in India in the area of private education. It has more than 100 educational institutions, with over 100,000 students, and it covers a range of disciplines.
Another recipient was Dr. Makarand Jawadekar, former executive of Pfizer global research and development, who received a Doctor of Science.
*********************************************
President Jagdeo conferred Honorary Doctorate
Saturday, 06 February 2010 00:00
President Bharrat Jagdeo was today conferred an Honorary Doctorate by the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia before 6,000 invited people. The Guyanese Head of State attended the University 20 years ago where he obtained his Masters Degree in Economics.
President Jagdeo was selected by the Academic Board of the University on January 25, 2010 for the award.
President Bharrat Jagdeo expressing gratitude to the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia, after being conferred with an honorary doctorate, in the Kremlin, February 6, 2010.
The conferral ceremony was performed in the Kremlin on the 50th Anniversary celebration of the founding of the University established by the Government of the Soviet Union on February 5, 1960.
President Jagdeo in receiving the honour delivered a speech in Russian to the packed auditorium, his first Russian address since attending the university.
The Guyanese Leader thanked the University for presenting him the honour and praised the institution for its multiculturalism.
**********************************************
Prince Charles praises President Jagdeo’s “incredible leadership”
Friday, 20 November 2009 00:00
…at meeting of his Rainforest Project at St. James Palace, London
Prince Charles, at a meeting yesterday of his Rainforest Fund at St. James’s Palace, London to discuss emergency funding to tackle tropical deforestation, praised President Bharrat Jagdeo’s “incredible leadership” in combating climate change by dedicating Guyana’s entire forests to the cause.
“I would particularly like to thank President Jagdeo of Guyana. He has shown incredible leadership in all this,” the Prince stated.
The meeting, a few weeks before the important 15th Conference of Parties (COP15) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Copenhagen, Denmark from December 7 to 18, arrived at a consensus which comes in the form of an inter-governmental report produced by the Informal Working Group (IWG) of 35 countries, that was set up after the meeting of the G-20 leaders, convened by The Prince at St James’s Palace in April.
The IWG report outlines a process that would reward rainforest countries for reducing deforestation rates. Payments would be made on a performance basis, and by ensuring that the forests are worth more alive than dead the financing is aimed at encouraging rainforest countries to pursue more sustainable forms of economic development.
Prince Charles was also high in praise for the Government of Norway with which Guyana had signed a Memorandum of Understanding on November 9 that could see the country accessing up to US$250M by 2015 in return for preserving its forests.
“We also owe an enormous amount to the Government of Norway for their remarkable leadership and also, dare I say it, for their money! I really would also like to express even more gratitude to the Norwegian government for their labour of love in providing the Secretariat for the IWG,” he stated.
The Prince urged the world’s Governments to deliver new public finance commitments to provide the funding that the IWG has demonstrated is necessary to reduce deforestation by 25% by 2015.
“When you think that 25% in global reduction could be achieved on the basis of additional financing of €15-25B, starting at about €1B in 2010 and increasing to €5.5B per year in 2015, that isn’t much money really when you think about it and if we could achieve it, it would provide the largest reduction in emissions possible over the period…equivalent to perhaps as much as seven gigatons of carbon dioxide and that’s more than the annual emissions of China or the US,” he explained.
The Prince of Wales attends a meeting for The Prince's Rainforests Project at St. James's Palace with, left, Hans Brattskar, Special Advisor of the Government of Norway's International Climate and Forestry Initiative, The President of Guyana, and right, The President of Gabon. © Press Association.
The Prince noted that it has been inspiring to hear the private sector describe how they can play their part in bringing about a future where productivity and sustainability go hand in hand, and to hear of national plans such as Guyana’s to combat deforestation.
“To hear of the government-backed initiatives already underway in Brazil and Guyana that can make this (reducing deforestation) a reality in two very different kinds of rainforest nations are two messages of precious hope,” he enthused.
Guyana’s Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which was launched on June 8 and has gone through a four-month, exhaustive national consultative process, is the first national plan that seeks to combat climate change by preserving forests.
It has received international recognition and many renowned personalities and organizations, including the Prince, have joined the efforts.
Conservation International, movie-star Harrison Ford, the Clinton Foundation, the Governments of Norway, and Australia, whose Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, had expressed his country’s interest in collaborating with Guyana in the global effort to address climate change after lauding Guyana’s leadership on climate change during a bilateral meeting with President Jagdeo in New York in September, are supporters.
Australia has committed to support Guyana’s Monitoring Reporting and Verification (MRV) system.
Also, at yesterday’s meeting, the United States pledged US$275M to rainforest protection, which would come from US$1.2B assistance for international programmes, part of a 2010 budget currently pending US Congressional approval.
The funds would aim "to protect biodiversity and support sustainable landscapes in fiscal year 2010 ... with a focus on protection of tropical forests".
************************************************
