The Parliament office of Guyana on Monday evening hosted an exhibition of innovative projects in commemoration of Commonwealth Day 2018.
The projects on display were made by primary and secondary students from each of Guyana’s administrative regions and the University of Guyana’s Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences. With the aim of combating climate change, the projects which were selected in some way or another presented ideas on how to protect the environment or lessen the impact of climate change. Most of the school
Students of Amelia’s Ward Primary explaining their project to Minister of State Joseph Harmon and Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan
projects were a part of the regional sciences fairs that occurred last week.
The event which was hosted at the Umana Yana was graced with the presence of a number of Government officials and dignitaries, such as RK Perindia, acting High Commissioner of India; Greg Quinn, High Commissioner of Britain; Lilian Chatterjee, High Commissioner if Canada; Vice President Khemraj Ramjattan; Gail Teixiera, Opposition Chief Whip; Minister of State Joseph Harmon; and Carl Greenidge acting President. The audience was told of India’s and Canada’s strives to combat climate change and the importance of their relationship with Guyana in order to do so.
Lilian Chaterjee noted that Guyana and moreover the Caribbean, is in a good position to assist in the conquering of climate change. She noted that several women across the world are being coached to attend a forum where they will negotiate policies regarding climate change and solutions to the problem.
Operating under the theme ‘Towards a common future’, The Queen’s Commonwealth Day message was presented by Queen’ College student Shannia Persaud. The Queen often highlighted the need for unity in all aspects and the need for commonwealth nations to work collaboratively towards a common goal. “By pledging to serve the common good in New ways, we can ensure that the Commonwealth continues to grow in scope and stature,” Her majesty stated.
In her brief address, Opposition Chief Whip Gail Teixeira noted that “The most important issue is the survival of planet Earth.” She went on to state that the People’s Progressive Party’s point of view, we need to keep our sights on harnessing renewable energy, making reference to the Amaila Falls project.
In presenting his remarks, Minister of State Joseph Harmon spoke extensively on the role the Commonwealth plays in the combating of climate, especially noting that this year’s theme is fitting for that work. “The theme for this year’s observance is timely and relevant, given the unprecedented challenge that all nations face individually and collectively,” he said. Harmon also highlighted the work that the commonwealth has done with small islands and countries to address vulnerabilities and development needs. This was done through an international conference of small islands to evaluate the effects of climate change and how marine resources could be sustainably used in the fight.
“The commonwealth has always been at the forefront of policy research and global advocacy, to assist small states to build resilience, access finances, alleviate debt burden and device measures to respond to natural disasters and the impact of climate change,” the Minister noted. He also took the opportunity to praise the students for their excellent projects. It was proudly announced that some 700,000 hectares of lands in the Kanashen area of South Rupununi, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) is being preserved as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy. The canopy aims at fostering forest preservation and the conservation of Indigenous forests for future generations. The initiative was launched back in 2015 at a Commonwealth heads of Government meeting in Malta.
