USA TODAY supplement declares … Guyana is an emerging pioneer in green economic policy making
A SUPPLEMENT to USA TODAY, prepared by United World Ltd, has recognised Guyana’s effort to pursue a green economy. The 12-page supplement on Guyana, titled ‘Why Guyana?’ examines among others, why the country is “the ideal base to do business in South America and the Caribbean.”It cites among one of the reasons the fact that Guyana is green and peaceful. According to the supplement, Guyana has emerged as a pioneer in green economic policy making. It recognises that the country has taken the lead in important issues like climate change, and is pioneering in green creation, through its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) agreement with the Government of Norway.
According to the supplement, the country’s proximity to markets in North America, South America, the Caribbean and even Western Africa makes the country a natural crossroads of commerce and diplomacy.
Emphasising the peaceful aspect of the country, the newspaper quoted Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett as saying that Guyana stands in principle, on many internal issues, “whether it has to do with Palestine or climate change, we do not change or negotiate on it.”
“We also believe that we should, and have as many friends and allies as possible. We are a small country, and we do not believe in conflict. There is a large focus on peace and we have been discussing it in the Region. That is very important, especially at this time when we see so many conflicts in the world,” the Foreign Minister is quoted as saying.
It noted that these peaceful attributes of the country have helped it to secure foreign direct investment in agriculture, forestry, mining and petroleum, among other sectors, and that Guyana boasts an enviable array of natural resources including gold, diamonds, timber and bauxite.
It also quotes President Donald Ramotar as saying that “Guyana is also very well situated.” According to the supplement, President Donald Ramotar explained that Guyana acts like a bridge between the Caribbean and South America.
“We see we have the possibility of helping the Caribbean to link up with South America too, and broaden their relations. The financial and economic crisis hit the region very hard. If we could develop more of a relationship with the south, we think global impacts could be made a little less,” he explained.
The president noted that “Guyana is a free, open, transparent, democratic society where there are very warm and welcoming people.”
The president called Guyana a place where Americans can do business or can come to relax and see nature at its best.
“I think that our country is very welcoming. Guyana is a multi-ethnic, multi-racial and multi-cultural country, and in this we are forging a unique Guyanese culture, while at the same time building on, and adding to the famous culture that helps make up our society so the Guyanese may be from different origins, like European, Indian, Native Indian (American,) African, but this culture includes all of them,” he said.
The USA TODAY supplement also examines, among other aspects, Guyana as a Regional gateway, its prudent policymaking, focus on education, powerful hydro-potential and tourism opportunities. (GINA)
. I see Rima on the list.