‘GSDS – Philosophical Underpinning of Budget 2019’ – Min. Harmon

– blueprint for development

DPI, Guyana, Thursday, December 6, 2018

Minister of State, Joseph Harmon during his budget debate speech said the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) is the “philosophical underpinning of Budget 2019”.

According to the Minister, “The Green State Development Strategy Vision 2040 is Guyana’s 20-year policy that reflects the guiding vision and principles for the establishment of the Green State.”

The Minister of State told the National Assembly that the GSDS is the path that leads to development that, will in turn, provide a better quality of life for all Guyanese. He explained that this is “based on the sustainable exploitation of our country’s natural resources and the protection of our environment.”

Minister Harmon stated that the GSDS is expected to build greater economic resilience and human capital.

He noted that while the Low Carbon Development Strategy was implemented under the previous administration, it was a single source transaction and not a strategy. The State Minister explained that the plan is a “comprehensive document” comprising of strategic actions, policies and programmes to guide our development trajectory over the next 20 years

“The object is broader than Guyana’s first development strategies and captures a more holistic view of social, economic and environmental wellbeing which is in line with the United Nations sustainable development goals,” he further added.

Noting that the GSDS was developed through a multilayered national stakeholder process, Minister Harmon disclosed that in 2019, the plan is expected to be made public for further review before it is laid before the National Assembly.

The State Minister also opinioned that this provides Guyana with the opportunity to “join the ranks” of nations who have adopted the green approach.

In closing, Minister Harmon emphasised that the GSDS is the “blueprint for development” of the nation.

Anara Khan.

Image: Jameel Mohamed.