Business Minister Dominic Gaskin on Saturday indicated that the draft Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) was almost complete and would be finalised through consultations with various stakeholders before it was adopted.
“It is expected that once adopted, it will become a blueprint for national development. Its 2030 vision for a green, inclusive and prosperous Guyana is not something that you automatically achieve once you get to 2030. We have to follow a course of action to get there, and technology will be a major factor in getting us there,” Gaskin said.
The Minister made the comments while addressing the opening of GTT’s Innov8 Summit at the Georgetown Marriott Hotel.
Gaskin said technology was a great tool for green development, since it meant more efficient management of the factors contributing to global warming.
“It is through innovation and technology we will find greener ways to do things without compromising on the quality of life we have become accustomed to. Guyana is well positioned to roll out its Green State Development Strategy, because our small population, our rich resources and our capacity to feed ourselves as well as others will make this strategy affordable and sustainable,” Gaskin noted.
He said one of the major challenges Government would always face was bridging the gap between the coast and the hinterland, but noted that it was already working on that. He added that with the GSDS, that gap would be bridged further to promote the President’s vision of a green and prosperous Guyana.
“When we speak of an inclusive green and prosperous State, one of our major challenges will always be a disconnect between our coast and the vast hinterland, where Guyana’s green assets really lie and where much of our natural resources really lie,” he noted.
The GSDS comprises seven thematic areas such as sustainable management of the environment, renewable energy, resilient infrastructure, human health and well-being, and governance. Although the GSDS is not adopted as yet, some aspects are already being implemented at the national level. One example is the installation of solar panels on Government buildings, by the Department of Environment and the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA) collaboratively.
“…real developments”
The Business Minister used the opportunity to reassure Guyanese that Government would “prudently save, spend and invest oil revenues within a framework that ensures sustainability and will bring great benefits”.
“A lot has already been said and the debate still rages on, but I can say in all sincerity that our Government will ensure that the Guyanese people become the beneficiaries of our country’s natural wealth and I want to urge you all to pay attention to the real developments that are taking place and not become distracted by that tiny vocal minority who seem bent on killing the enthusiasm that we all need to energise us into making the right choices and preparing ourselves for what lies ahead,” Gaskin added. The Minister’s comment came after reports surfaced of an impending legal challenge against the current contract with ExxonMobil.
A group of Guyanese campaigners is raising international support as it claims Government illegally granted offshore oil licences.
The group’s lawyers are expected to file action in the High Court some time in the coming week.
