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Guyana to lead the region in the negotiations for a CARIFORUM-EU Regional Protocol

Guyana wins #1 in ‘best of ecotourism’ category at the sustainable destinations top 100 awards

Emerging destination beats out Mexico, Cambodia and the Galapagos to be named ‘World’s Best Ecotourism Destination’

BERLIN: Guyana has been named the #1 “Best of Ecotourism” destination in the world. The award was presented to Guyana at the ITB global travel trade fair in Berlin, Germany. The second annual “Best of Top 100” Awards is a selection of the finest top 100 destinations selected by a panel of experts who reviewed sustainability success stories submitted by destinations worldwide. The newly created “Best of Ecotourism” category was added in 2019 and put Guyana up against very well-known and experienced ecotourism destinations like Sierra Gorda in Mexico, Tmatboey in Cambodia and the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador.

The announcement was made this evening at Berlin’s Messe Berlin exhibition grounds by Mr. Albert Salman, President of Green Destinations Foundation. Mr. Brian T. Mullis, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority was in attendance to accept the award on behalf of Guyana.

“Guyana has expended considerable effort in recent years not only to develop new and innovative eco-friendly tourism products as a part of the national Green State Development Strategy, but also to incorporate sustainable tourism best practice into all aspects of its strategy, planning and programming while educating the world about its deep commitment to maximising the positive socio-economic and conservation outcomes from tourism,” said Brian T. Mullis, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority. He continued, “It is a tremendous honour for us to be recognized globally alongside our fellow leaders in eco- and sustainable tourism.”

Guyana is positioned as the next must-see destination for travellers. With daily non-stop flights already available from New York, Miami and Toronto and direct routes available from Europe through sister Caribbean countries, and it being the only English-speaking country in South America, travellers can experience vibrant indigenous culture, rich history, and hospitable and friendly people in the language both parties know best. Guyana has also recently become the first country to adopt the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s International Adventure Travel Guide Qualification & Performance Standards.

When asked about Guyana’s selection as #1 in the “Best of Ecotourism” category, Mr. Albert Salman, President of the Green Destinations Foundation said “The Top 100 Awards Jury was impressed by the dossier prepared by Guyana Tourism Authority for the Top100-nomination and by the success stories submitted of Surama and Rewa. Both these eco lodges have ambitious and admirable goals and successes, are community-owned and led, and aim at preserving Guyana’s ecosystems and indigenous traditions. The Jury also liked that Guyana has a policy of a ‘Green, Inclusive and Prosperous Guyana’ that provides a good quality of life for all its citizens based on a sound education and social protection, low-carbon resilient development, green and decent jobs, economic opportunities, individual equality, justice, and political empowerment.’”

About Guyana, “South America Undiscovered”

Largely unknown to the world, Guyana is a small South American country that represents six ethnicities and a rich Amerindian culture. Bordered by Brazil, Suriname and Venezuela, Guyana is part of the revered Guiana Shield, one of the world’s most biodiverse regions that includes many endemic species and South America’s ‘Land of the Giants.’ Guyana possesses Atlantic beaches to the north, staggering mountain ranges to the west, never-ending savannahs to the south and 18% of the world’s tropical rainforests. It’s an untapped playground for explorers and adventure seekers.

About the Guyana Tourism Authority

The Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) is a semi-autonomous governmental organization responsible for developing and promoting sustainable tourism in Guyana through collaboration with sister agencies and the tourism private sector in order to maximize local socio-economic and conservation outcomes and improve the visitors’ experience. The GTA is focused on Guyana becoming recognized locally and internationally as a premier destination for protecting its natural and cultural heritage, providing authentic experiences, and maximizing local economic benefits.

About the Green Destinations Foundation

Green Destinations has developed an assessment and reporting system to assess current tourism policy, management and sustainability performance on relevant sustainability themes. The Green Destinations Assessment System is a collaborative initiative of Green Destinations, the European Centre for Eco and Agro Tourism (ECEAT) and the Coastal & Marine Union (EUCC). The system consists of the Green Destinations Standard which is a collection of criteria to assess sustainable destination management and policy and the Green Destinations Database which is a collection of sustainability and quality performance indicators fed by a variety of third-party data sources.

For more information on Guyana’s rich and diverse offerings visit www.guyanatourism.com or follow DiscoverGuyana on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

For further information contact:

Nicola Balram at the Guyana Tourism Authority (Guyana)
Tel: + (592) 219-0094
Email: nicola@guyanatourism.com
Website: www.guyanatourism.com

David DiGregorio at CornerSun Destination Marketing (New York, USA)
Tel: +1 718 635 1252
Email: dave@cornersun.com
Website www.cornersun.com
Kate McWilliams at Lotus (United Kingdom)
Tel: + +44 (0) 207 953 7470
Email: Guyana@wearelotus.co.uk
Website: www.wearelotus.co.uk

Rolf Nieländer at FastForward Marketing (Germany)
Tel: + +49 (0)6187 90078-0
Email: r.nielaender@inexcom.de
Website: www.fastforward-marketing.de

Guyana to participate in several overseas forums

GOVERNMENT has given the ‘green light’ for Guyana to be part of the fourth edition of the Conference on Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices in India.

The forum, which commenced on February 14, serves to update countries on developments within India’s pharmaceutical industries. Director of the Government Analyst-Food and Drug Department, Marlon Cole and Oneal Atkins are representing Guyana at the conference.

“Further, it is expected to be a catalyst in providing a platform for foreign companies to get into joint ventures with Indian companies”, said Minister of State, Joseph Harmon, during a press briefing on Friday.

Guyana will also be represented at the Development Bank of Latin America’s ‘Project on Financing Sustainable Fisheries and Food Security Conference’, in Barbados from February 25 to 26, 2019.

According to Harmon, the project “encompasses all fish and stocks being managed and harvested sustainably, legally and supplied.”

Guyana will also participate in a sub-regional level two workshop on pollution response conventions in St. Kitts and Nevis, from March 11, 2019.

The minister said the convention will be a unique opportunity for Guyana to strengthen regional cooperation and evaluate aspects which will be incorporated into the Caribbean oil response commission. Director General (ag) of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), Lt. Col. Kester Craig, is scheduled to attend the convention.

Extracted from Guyana Chronicle 19/02/2019

His Excellency Hamley Case accredited Ambassador to Estonia

Guyana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Frederick Hamley Case was recently accredited Non-Resident Ambassador to the Republic of Estonia.

The High Commissioner handed over his Letters of Credence to President Kersti Kaljulaid.

His Excellency Hamley Case is concurrently accredited High Commissioner to the United Kingdom as well as Ambassador to the Republic of Iceland and the Russian Federation.

Guyana and Estonia continue to work closely in the area of E-Governance and, in 2018, a contract was signed between the National Data Management Authority of Guyana (NDMA) and the E-Governance Academy of Estonia for the facilitation of consultative services.

Guyana and Estonia established diplomatic relations on April 19, 1997.

Statement by the Government of Guyana on the situation in Venezuela

The Government of Guyana is gravely concerned at the deepening of the political crisis in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and supports calls made at both the regional and international levels for immediate dialogue involving all political and social actors, with a view to the preservation of the democratic process and a return to normalcy.

Guyana calls on all parties to desist from actions that might lead to further violence and loss of lives. .

The Government of Guyana remains firmly supportive of efforts to resolve the crisis through peaceful means and with full respect for human rights and the rule of law.

January 24, 2019

Guyana and Portugal discuss collaboration in Language and Culture

BRUSSELS, Belgium – On the occasion of presenting credentials to President of the Portuguese Republic His Excellency Mr. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa as non-resident Ambassador, His Excellency David T.A. Hales paid a courtesy call recently on Mr. Gonçalo Teles Gomes the Vice-President Camões Institute of Cooperation and Language.

Camões Institute is the Agency which the Portuguese Foreign Ministry has delegated responsibilities for international cooperation and the promotion of Portuguese language and culture abroad.

The two exchanged views on projects developed and funded by Camões Institute in areas of Cooperation in Language and Culture.

In relation to cultural exchange, upon being advised by Ambassador Hales about the Caribbean’s Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA), Vice-President Gomes indicated that Portugal would look favourably on an invitation to participate.

Ambassador Hales also inquired about the possibility of the Portuguese assisting in teaching Portuguese as a foreign language in Guyana.   To this end, Vice-President Gomes said the Institute was open to finalising an agreement in the promotion of Portuguese language and culture abroad which could involve a lecturer to teach at the University level and to conduct training for Foreign Service Officers (FSOs).

Estimates of the Public Sector and the Budget for the Financial Year 2019

Mr. Speaker, I rise to move the motion for the approval of the Estimates of the Public Sector and the Budget for the Financial Year 2019, and in doing so, I wish to indicate that Cabinet has recommended that the National Assembly proceed upon this motion, pursuant to Article 171 Paragraph 2 of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. read full speach

Green State Development Strategy is more than just another document

Green State Development Strategy is more than just another document

–Minister Harmon at SDGs, GSDS Alignment workshop

Georgetown, Guyana – (March 15, 2018)

Minister of State, Mr. Joseph Harmon, who holds responsibility for the Department of the Environment (DoE), today, said that the Green State Development Strategy (GSDS) is not just another document, but rather, it is the vision and the expression of the ambition of the people of Guyana for a prosperous future in a sustainable environment.

Minister Harmon was at the time addressing the ‘Aligning the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the Green State Development Strategy Workshop on Multidimensional Approaches for the 2030 Agenda’, which opened this morning at the Marriott Hotel. In the pursuit of a finalised, all-inclusive GSDS, the Government had requested support from the United Nation’s Development System for the integration of the SDGs within the GSDS. The 2030 agenda references the SDGs, which is a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity.

In his remarks, Minister Harmon said that the workshop is another important step in Guyana’s quest to establish a ‘green’ economy and a ‘green’ state as well as the country’s resolve to be meaningfully involved as a significant contributor to the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development including the SDGs. The theme, he noted, is therefore appropriate as it addresses matters that are crucial to the development of Guyana and encapsulates the Government’s vision.

“Guyana on the basis of our geographic location and resources has an obligation, which we acknowledge and a commitment that we have made to be meaningfully involved, if not, to take the lead role in this development. The Green State Development Strategy to us is not just a document. It is the expression of the vision and the ambition of the people of Guyana for a prosperous future, which benefits all of its people. We aspire to become a green, inclusive, and prosperous Guyana that provides a good quality of life for all of our citizens, that provides sound education, social protection, ‘green’ and decent jobs, economic opportunities, individual equality, justice and political empowerment. Guyana aspires to transition into a decarbonised and resource efficient economy that values and integrates the multi-ethnicity of our country and enhances the quality of life for all Guyanese. Guyana’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda is unequivocal,” he said.

The Government, he said, considers the alignment of the United Nation’s SDGs with the GSDS as a crucial policy area. However, the State Minister said that Guyana must also face head on the challenge of moving beyond just mapping the SDGs.  “The principle of integrality calls for balancing the three dimensions of sustainable development; social cohesion, economic growth and environmental potential. The challenge that we face is to move beyond mapping the SDGs and target its reflection in the GSDS. It is to move toward incorporating these new principles in the real plan and implement that strategy as our country’s development programme as well as ensure that the mechanisms are established to monitor and evaluate that process while at the same time utilising unique, clean Guyanese content,” Minister Harmon said.

Noting that the contribution of every stakeholder is vital for the successful implementation of the GSDS, Minister Harmon said that the challenge now is to guide the GSDS in a way that is in the spirit of the Agenda 2030, while taking into account the multiple development challenges Guyana faces and the need to institutional strong and effective cross-sectoral coordination.

“There must also be a recognition that we will be breaking new ground and would be sometimes sailing in unchartered waters.  The successful way, therefore, has to be uniquely Guyanese taking into account our peculiar circumstances. We must own the process and own our Green State Development Strategy,” he said.

Meanwhile, Head of the DoE, Ms. Ndibi Schwiers, in an invited comment said that goal of the workshop is to train participants on multidimensional approaches to mainstream the 2030 Agenda, including the use and application of three important tools; theory of change, systems thinking and the identification of accelerators to prioritise policy interventions with a bigger impact.

Noting that the GSDS is currently under elaboration with an expected completion deadline of July 2018, Ms. Schwiers said that the initial timeline has been extended to allow for large-scale consultations to ensure that the document is truly reflective of all stakeholders in the Guyanese society. This consultation process, she said, is unprecedented.

Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Ms. Shabnam Mallick, in brief comments, said that the organisation stands ready to lend its support to Guyana as it embarks on its ‘green’ journey. “This workshop is part of a longer process, where we stand ready, the UNDP and its sister agencies, to support the journey to the achievement of the SDGs,” she said.

The two-day workshop is a collaborative effort between the Department of the Environment, Ministry of the Presidency and the Ministry of Finance, along with the Technical support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).

Guyana will uphold the principle of people before profits

‘Guyana will uphold the principle of people before profits’

–President Granger at High-Level Side Event on Combating Pollution in the Extractive Industries

Georgetown, Guyana – (December 5, 2017) President David Granger, yesterday, addressed the High level Event on Combating Pollution in the Extractive Industries at the United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya, where he said that the people must come before any profits as the world’s natural resources are the patrimony of all humanity even as he used the opportunity to propose a three pronged approach, which can help primarily small states with their fight against pollution and the protection of the environment.

“People, therefore, must be at the heart of the development of our natural resources. People must come before profits. The pursuit of profits has been accompanied, over the past century, by an exponential increase in extractive industries. This expansion, however, has aggravated environmental damage, which can have a long-lasting and harmful negative impact “…on human dignity and well-being”,” the President said.

The Head of State said that pollution in the extractive industries threatens environmental security and it increases human vulnerability to human-induced environmental degradation and impacts on human security.  While extractive industries have made an inestimable contribution to the economies of low-income and middle-income countries, the President said that these measurable economic benefits are associated with air pollution, biodiversity loss, freshwater and oceanic contamination, greenhouse gas emissions, land degradation and resource depletion. 

“Pollution, within extractive industries, threatens human well-being and life. It can undermine production, impair human health and damage the physical environment. Environmental security, therefore, is a crosscutting concern with economic, political and social implications. Combatting pollution in extractive industries requires a holistic response,” he said.

On this note, the Head of State said that the Guyana is prepared to play its part and is pursuing a holistic approach to the exploitation of its natural resources. “Guyana’s ‘Green State Development Strategy’ will become our blueprint for moving towards becoming a ‘green state.’  The ‘green state’ will exemplify the policy of placing people before profits. The ‘green state’ will demonstrate how our extractive industries – bauxite, diamond and gold mining and logging – can be aligned with the protection of our environment, the preservation of our biodiversity and the promotion of the generation of energy from renewable sources. The ‘green state’ will become a model of environmental stewardship. It will demonstrate the signal role, which a small state can play in protecting the world’s air, water and land from the threat of pollution,” he said.

However, the Head of State, who has been pushing the ‘green’ agenda since his assumption to office, said that Guyana cannot do it alone and requires international cooperation, international organisation and information, education and communication.

“International cooperation should be strengthened to ensure that states, particularly small states, can benefit from transfer of technologies and access to international financing to support programmes to reduce pollution. Guyana looks forward to increased international cooperation between large and small states in combatting pollution. Guyana recognises the need for an international organisation to drive greater international cooperation, collaboration and coordination to ensure a pollution free-planet and Information, education and communication must be extended through a sustained campaign aimed at raising awareness of the urgency of eliminating pollution at the level of citizen, household and community,” he said.

Guyana has already begun taking steps to reduce the level of pollution in its extractive industries. In September that the Head of State travelled to Geneva, Switzerland for the first Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Minamata Convention, where he reassured the international community that Guyana will not only reduce its use of mercury in the mining industry, but will work to eliminate the practice.