Govt commits to environmental action with Peace Corps MoU

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Administration has once again placed environmental issues on the front burner with the inking on Wednesday of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the US Peace Corps.
This MoU would allow Peace Corps volunteers to return to Guyana after a hiatus brought about by the pandemic. Their return would lead to a continuation of the work on environment-related matters.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, MP, represented Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, MP, at the signing ceremony held at the Office of the President.
In her remarks, Minister Teixeira said, “Given our nation’s continued emphasis on environmental preservation, it is especially encouraging to know that we will be able to restart efforts championed by Peace Corps volunteers, in partnership with communities and schools, to educate the next generation and build capacity in environmental stewardship.”

The Minister maintained that the Administration remains committed to a low carbon economy through its leading environmental policy, the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which is currently being strengthened.
A revised LCDS, Minister Teixeira explained, is also expected to include the establishment of an International Centre of Excellence for Biological Diversity, which would feature novel research and development, as well as educational services.
Meanwhile, US Ambassador to Guyana, Her Excellency Sarah-Ann Lynch, in her address at the signing, listed key areas of co-operation through the MoU. Ambassador Lynch said, “Peace Corps can continue to contribute to environmental education and awareness in Guyana with the inclusion of ecological fundamentals, climate science, biodiversity, ecosystem services, global and local environmental issues, as well as how to address them.”
Peace Corps’ Country Director Dr. Nadine Rogers countersigned the MoU with Minister Teixeira, and commended the Government’s vision and relationship with the group.