Climate change under the spotlight today – at Caricom Heads Inter-sessional meeting
Georgetown, GINA, March 11, 2014
President Donald Ramotar will lead off discussions on the issue of climate change when Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) reconvene today at the 25th Inter-sessional meeting in St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Guyana has taken the initiative to push for urgent action by the region at a time when the adverse impacts are intensifying globally, and also in the Caribbean, one of the most vulnerable to climate change.
Dr. Kenrick Leslie, Executive Director of the Caribbean Climate Change Centre (CCCC) has commended Guyana’s leadership on climate change under former President Bharrat Jagdeo and now continuing under President Ramotar’s stewardship. Dr. Leslie lauded the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and indicated that the CCCC will continue to work closely with Guyana.
The Strategy outlines Guyana’s vision to promoting economic development, while at the same time combating climate change. Norway signed an agreement with Guyana for compensation for avoided deforestation. The money will be utilised for Amaila Falls equity; Amerindian Development Fund; Amerindian land titling; Micro and Small Enterprises and vulnerable groups sustainable livelihoods; International Centre for Biodiversity Research, Adaptation Projects and other support for the LCDS.