GPL tariff hike a last option – Company Chairman
THE Guyana Power and Light (GPL) Company has reaffirmed its position on speculations about hiking its rates, stating categorically that it has no intention of doing so and this will only be a last option.

The company’s Chairman Winston Brassington and Chief Executive Officer Bharrat Dindyal gave this assurance while at a press conference yesterday at the power company’s Boardroom on Middle Street .

Brassington said GPL intends to focus on the implications of rising fuel prices on the company’s finances and the options available to its customers.

The four key options he referred to are to increase conservation measures, engage in load-shedding at peak hours to reduce diesel use, introduce higher tariffs for government customers and lastly, an overall tariff increase with different rate increases in different categories.

When asked how long it will take before a decision is made on either one of the options, Brassington said it would be very soon since the present situation with rising fuel prices is unsustainable.

“GPL’s problem is therefore, the immediate to short-term. How to bridge the increasing fuel costs based on rising prices,” Brassington noted.

Diesel and Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) are two of the company’s main source of energy consumption and about US$85M has been budgeted for the purchase of fuel at US$83 per barrel for HFO and US$119 per barrel for diesel.

However, HFO is now US$100 per barrel, 26.5 percent over the budgeted price and US$172 per barrel on diesel which equates to 44.5 percent over the budgeted price.

“GPL faces at current prices, the monthly fuel bill of approximately $2B. The increased fuel prices on an annual basis are over $5B. Since April the continued increase in price implies that for the rest of the year, a shortfall of $4B can be expected,” Brassington said.

The power company on December last launched a “Switch it off - Plug it out” campaign to heighten awareness and called for collective action, awareness and understanding.

The company through its research discovered that the 120,000 domestic customers who form the majority of its clients, utilise a significant degree of energy unnecessarily during the 18:00h to 21:00h period daily.

Within half an hour, from 17:30h to 18:00h electricity demand increases by 13 megawatts. The high monthly cost attached to this level of consumption often goes unnoticed and is only realised when the customer receives an electricity bill, he said.

The company recently noted that it has witnessed a reduction in electricity demand and commends its customers for responding.

GPL continues to urge all its customers to join the conservation effort at the level of the home and office noting that if each were to switch off one 10-watt bulb not in use during the peak period, it would reduce the need for the company to generate about 1.4 megawatts of power. (GINA)

Dangerous bush in Best Village
- resident appeals to RDC to help clear the bushes
A RESIDENT of Best Village, West Coast Demerara, has decided to seek the help of the Media in her, so far, futile attempts at appealing to the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) in the area to clear the thick vegetation surrounding her house, and which is said to be infested with dangerous reptiles.

The resident, Chandrawattie Seetaram, 32, of Lot 17 Best Village, claimed that her appeals to the RDC have been ‘falling on deaf ears’.

She told the Guyana Chronicle that, only a few days ago, one of her relatives captured a snake (suspected to be a Water Labaria) that is 17 feet in length and weighing about 85 pounds, right in her yard.

The snake, still alive and kept in a ‘salt bag’ yesterday when this newspaper visited Seetaram’s home in Best Village, is said to have entered the yard from the surrounding bushes.

Seetaram said the reptile is just one of many that is seen in the surrounding bushes and in the canal in front of her yard – which she said is also infested with caimans.

The woman’s major concern is the safety of, especially, her two-year-old daughter who likes to play in the yard.

My child cannot go out in the yard and play as she like because of the snakes and caimans and I have to watch her all the time because it is not safe,” the woman lamented.

Seetaram pointed out that she made several visits to the RDC office at Vreed-en-Hoop and officials there went to inspect the area and promised that “immediate action” will be taken but to date the situation remains the same.

The bushes have grown almost as tall as the woman’s flat concrete house and appeared jungle-like from afar.

In the past, Seetaram’s relatives managed to capture several snakes and a large caiman was spotted and killed during the desilting of the canal some time ago.

I am appealing to the RDC to please do something about the bushes because it just is not safe to live here,” she said yesterday.

Other residents in the area, who spoke with the Chronicle yesterday, also lamented the deplorable state of the road.

¾st road is probably the worst road…” one resident asserted.

The road is strewn with potholes, some as large as craters.

Meanwhile, when contacted yesterday, officials of the RDC were unavailable for a comment. (Michel Outridge)

Unique role for youths in CARIFESTA X – PYARG Executive Officer
- more than 60 visiting participants registered
THE Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA) promises to be another platform for youths in Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean region to contribute meaningfully to their development.

The youth and adolescent forum for CARIFESTA X is among the new innovations which Government has introduced to the festival to add to its regional significance.

Executive Officer of the President’s Youth Award Republic of Guyana (PYARG) programme, Mr. Alfred King, who is also a member of a committee focusing on the youth aspect for CARIFESTA, said he is proud to be associated with the upcoming event.

King, while speaking to members of the media recently, referred to an edutainment symposium and a youth village noting that edutainment which is now the catch phrase will be highlighted through a special symposium sponsored by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The symposium will facilitate discussions on Caribbean art forms and their values, issues affecting youths and the role of edutainment as it impacts on these issues.     

Through the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) about six popular edutainment groups from the Caribbean will be in Guyana to participate.

King said Yatica from St Lucia, Barcan from Trinidad and Tobago, Ashe from Jamaica, Sisteren promotion/academy from Barbados, Backlog from Suriname and CARICOM’s youth ambassador ‘Chocolate’ who recently entertained the Guyanese audience in the promotion of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) will be in Guyana.

Registration in this process is gaining momentum and is likely to surpass expectations. King said the forum was initially projected to attract about 50 visitors but to date more than 60 persons have already registered.

Local groups such as Dance Alive, X-Factor, PYARG, Artistes in Direct Support, among others, are also expected to participate. Local participation, King said, is expected to be about 50 persons and in excess of about 170 have registered to attend.

“We have to work to see how best we can accommodate most of these applicants because the experience that will be provided through the symposium will be one that is most meaningful,” King said.

The youth village, for which a design has already been laid out, will be constructed in the National Park and will be another arena for youth throughout the Caribbean region.

About 12 centres/huts will be erected to focus on HIV/AIDS education, physical exercise, music and dance lessons, environmental education and the spirit of adventure.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), Iwokrama and PYARG will be some of the partners in this effort.

Miners are obligated to lawful operations
– Prime Minister
THE mining sector in Guyana is a contributor to a total export earnings of US$680.9M and its population at the small and medium-scale levels and investments in earthmoving capabilities are growing.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, who is the Minister responsible for Mining, said this factor is enough reason for stakeholders involved to engage in good performance in gold and diamond mining.

“The sector has been growing steadily over the last decade, heartened by the improved prices, particularly for gold but challenged by the even greater increases in the price for diesel.

Miners need to keep an eye on their costs and shrinking margins lest they over capitalise their operations and over expand themselves,” the Prime Minister said.

The influx of miners and the significant growth in the sector have led to the increased capacity of the average miner to move dirt, a fact which the Prime Minister noted calls for higher levels of operation to reduce and mitigate environmental impacts and costs.

The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has intensified its policy of promoting sustainable mining in Guyana and takes a relentless approach to miners who operate against the law.

The Prime Minister called on miners to add new techniques and increase the sophistication of their operations at the small and medium-scale levels now dominating the sector.

“The sector must become better because in addition to the gross effect of increased numbers, the expectations of the sector are being raised. Practices tolerated before will be tolerated no more,” the Prime Minister assured.

Only recently, small and medium-scale miners were at the centre of controversy after a few illegal practices earned a bad mark for the sector.

The most significant in outrageous practices was mining on the Salbora road from Mahdia, resulting in severe destruction of road and water establishment.

Reports were also made about raids on OMAI’s property, by some miners who were dissatisfied with plots of land legally allotted to them because of the slow rate of returns.

“The mining sector needs to pay attention to being good, cordial partners with all others… as activities in the hinterland increase, miners must be aware of and step up to the changing situation.”

“The hinterland of Guyana must now be seen as no different from the coast: think twice about doing in the hinterland what you wouldn’t do on the coast. Make friends and become partners with all in the hinterland,” the Prime Minister appealed.

In terms of production and export earnings, the year 2007 was considered good for mining. According to figures from the GGMC, gold declared 247,000 ounces, with an export earning of US$160M while diamond declared 270,000 carats with an export earning of US$35M.

Minister Sukhai visits Barabina
- promises to continue working on poverty reduction programme
MINISTER of Amerindian Affairs, Ms. Pauline Sukhai, during her visit to the Mabaruma sub-region, Region One (Barima/Waini), met with residents of Barabina and discussed developments in that community.

Minister Sukhai was accompanied by her Liaison Officer Norman Whittaker on her visit on May 25 to participate in the Region’s 42nd Independence anniversary celebrations.

The Minister used the opportunity to interact and familiarise herself with some of the Region’s activities and development plans, particularly in Barabina.

At the meeting held at the Barabina primary school, residents informed the Minister of the community’s achievements which includes schools, health centre, better roads, water and electricity supply.

Minister Sukhai told the residents that Government’s approach to Amerindian development is a more participatory and interactive one.

“I would like the residents to say what their plans are to further their development. The Government is willing to work with the people to examine the plans and ensure that their requests are realised,” Minister Sukhai said.

Present also at the meeting were the Regional Chairman of Region One, Fermin Singh, and the Regional Executive Officer (REO) of the Region, Mary Williams.

Singh said the administration has brought many developments to the Barabina community and the Region.

 However, he stated that in some communities residents lack interest in their community’s development. He reminded that they have to take up the responsibilities and continue with the development process.

Minister Sukhai said that while the Amerindian Affairs Ministry is the facilitator for development in the communities, it is up to the Region’s authorities to ensure that developments are initiated in their region.

The Minister listened to residents’ concerns and dealt with several issues at the community level. She told residents that closer interface is needed by the Ministry and authorities of the Region to ensure further developments.

Singh said this is one of the communities that can be used as an example for other communities to follow.

Whittaker reflected on the earlier days when residents were lobbying for a school in the community. He said the dream of the people has been realised with a school with trained teachers and incentives for the children such as hot meals and the uniform assistance.

The former Member of Parliament said that the present Government is committed to the people’s development and Amerindian development has accelerated very quickly under this administration.

Minister Sukhai gave residents a brief background of her scope of work to enhance Amerindian development. 

She noted that one of her focus will be the continuation of the poverty alleviation programme.

However, Minister Sukhai expressed concern that she has not been seeing many youths participating in meetings and decision-making in the communities. 

She said it is critical that youths become involved in their community development.

Minister Sukhai urged the residents to co-operate with the government as it strives to further Amerindian development which is already evident in all the sectors of their society. (GINA)    

13 more return after India surgeries
By Michel Outridge
THIRTEEN more Guyanese, who left on April 29, have returned home after spending one month in India where they underwent successful surgical operations.

The surgeries were done with assistance from Three Rivers Kids Foundation, of Ontario, Canada.

The patients are Makhi Winfield, 13-months-old; Marissa Roopchand, 18-months; Virendra Dookie, aged two years; five-year-olds Jasmine Fredericks, Breanna Hunte, Beesham Singh and Farzeina Ali; Kaaran Orthandunte, four years; Shiv Sooklall, six years; Bhanumatie Persaud, eight years; Marlon Reid, 23; Shoma Laljie, 22 and Sukranie Victor (no age stated).

They all assembled at National Communications Network (NCN) studios on Homestretch Avenue, D’Urban Backlands, Georgetown on their return yesterday and thanked the charitable organisation for making their lives healthier.

Local President of Three Rivers Kids Foundation, Mr. Naresh Jairam said each of the 11 children had open heart surgery, one adult endured a kidney transplant and the other took treatment for congenital dislocation of the left hip.

He said some of the children had developed pulmonary artery hypertension as a result of not being able to get the required treatment soon after birth and the recovery period for one was longer.

However, despite all the complications, their recovery was incredible.

Jairam said the cardiac patients were diagnosed last January during a free screening clinic which was conducted here by Dr. Viresh Mahajan, an Indian paediatric cardiologist.

One of them, Ali, now looks at the mirror frequently and realises the colour of her face has changed but talks about going to school for the first time while eating well and gaining weight, Jairam reported.

Referring to the group, he said: “It is rewarding and remarkable to see the changes in these children daily. They are adorable and so anxious to return home to their families to begin their new lives.”

Jairam said the total cost of the 13 surgeries amounted to US$175,000 and was met through Three Rivers Kids Foundation, which has a local office at Lot 199 Alexander Village, Georgetown.

The children’s benefactor has been in existence for two and a half years and is funded by overseas fund-raising which has assisted 46 patients, 42 from Guyana and four from India.

Laljie was the first adult to be taken to India for kidney transplant and, after getting the organ from her father, made a marvellous recovery but has to take medications costing about US$350 monthly for the rest of her life, Jairam explained.

Three Rivers is also registered in New York.

Heavy winds damage roof of Annandale Primary
HEAVY winds, last Friday afternoon, blew off a section of the roof on Annandale Primary School building, at East Coast Demerara, disrupting classes just after the lunch recess.

A teacher said reports were made to the Regional Education Office and officials of the Regional Administration of Region Four (Demerara/Mahaica) have already visited the institution and inspected the damage.

They took measurements and promised to acquire materials for the repair, he said.

Meanwhile, the pupils who were displaced, were temporarily shifted to the lower flat of the edifice.

Regional Education Officer Sandra Smith said contact was made with the Regional Works Department, for the situation to be dealt with urgently because the children could be exposed to further hazards.

She said she went to the school on Tuesday afternoon and advised the administration to send home the children directly affected as work on the repairs were expected to start immediately.

At CPA workshop…
Speaker, Opposition MP expound on Parliament, Media practices
By Tajeram Mohabir
SPEAKER of the National Assembly, Mr. Hari Narayan (Ralph) Ramkarran, yesterday underscored the need for the legislature and the media to define their relationship, either by understanding or accepting their respective duties and the principles applied in discharging them.

He made the pronouncement at the opening of the four-day ‘Guyana Workshop on Parliament and the Media’ being hosted by the local legislature and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) at Grand Coastal Inn, Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara.

The forum seeks to sensitise the media and Members of Parliament (MPs) on their rights, duties, responsibilities and privileges.

Among those who spoke were Prime Minister Samuel Hinds; member of the United Kingdom (UK) House of Lords, Baroness Valerie Amos and CPA Assistant Director, Mr. Shem Baldeosingh.

In attendance also were other visiting CPA members, Government and Opposition MPs, as well as parliamentarians from Trinidad and Tobago and Bermuda.

Ramkarran pointed out that both parliamentarians and the media have roles and parameters around which they function and noted that the topics for discussion have been carefully chosen to deal with the challenges facing MPs and media practitioners in discharging their respective duties and recommendations to address them.

He said the initiative is in keeping with ongoing efforts by the National Assembly to upgrade its members with the latest information on requisite knowledge and skills to effectively discharge their responsibilities to the electorate.

Ramkarran told the participants that, locally, there is no body of written principles to guide the media in relation to Parliament nor does the National Assembly or the Speaker find it necessary to intervene in any matter relating to the media.

He recalled that, on one occasion, the Parliamentary Management Committee (PMC) approved a set of uncontroversial principles, prepared by an Australian expert who came here through the CPA, compliments of the Commonwealth Secretariat.

But, according to Ramkarran, due to lack of support from the media, the PMC was unable to proceed with the proposal and decided to wait for a more opportune time.

The Speaker emphasised, however, that, at some point in the future, as the work of the National Assembly expands, a set of agreed principles will be needed and, if the media is reluctant to buy into the quest, inevitably legislation will be enacted.

Ramkarran thanked the CPA and the local Parliament Office for planning the workshop, which he said, was long pending but has come at an appropriate time.

Alliance For Change (AFC) Co-Leader and MP, Mr. Raphael Trotman, who also expounded his views, said the occasion, in the opinion of the Opposition, coincides with a time when the freedom of the press is under threat by both State and non-state actors.

“There is a growing body of opinion which says, and with justification, that we are witnessing the rolling back of fundamental rights and freedoms in Guyana to an Orwellian time when we, too, can lament that, in a time of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act,” he lamented.

According to Trotman, the recent events involving the Stabroek News, CNS Channel 6 television, the continued exclusion of the Opposition and Civil Society from the State-owned media and the refusal to share information on matters of public interest, such as the sale of State assets, have brought the notions of the right to information, freedom of the press and the responsibilities of the media into sharp focus.

He lauded the programme, continuing through Saturday, pointing out that, apart from MPs and the media understanding their respective roles, they will be better educated as to what is appropriate and inappropriate and why, in the discharge of their functions, there are certain universal expectations.

Trotman said, from the legislator’s point of view, the media, too, will be better enabled to distinguish between useful and helpful information and utter trash and sensationalism.

He also observed that, many times, there have been reports in the media which were improperly researched, riddled with errors and overtly biased.

“We have to rise to the occasion, at times, by placing national interest above sales and revenue and refrain from shouting fire when there is only a spark to be seen,” the opposition MP exhorted.

The AFC leader said his expectations of the seminar are that it will be a mechanism for moving one step closer to the realisation of access to information legislation in Guyana.

As part of his deep and abiding interest in the promotion of democracy, he tabled a Freedom of Information Bill in the National Assembly in 2006 and explained that “it was Mahatma Gandhi who taught us that the spirit of democracy cannot be superimposed from the outside. It must come from within.”

Trotman said: “I still believe we have it within us to wake up and do what is necessary to establish a true democracy, where provision is made to ensure that the people are properly informed and the voices of all will be heard and listened to in the decision-making processes.”

Chairperson of the opening session, Adviser to the President on Governance, Ms. Gail Teixeira declared that, while Trotman’s observations are topical, they are “irrelevant” to the occasion.

Prime Minister Hinds, in brief remarks, also acknowledged that the sessions will be of great benefit to both MPs and the media and charged the participants to open their minds and internalise the experiences that will be imparted by the eminent speakers.

Baldeosingh was optimistic that the seminar will help MPs, the media and civil society to work towards the development of a better legal and political environment, in which the public is provided with all the information required to make informed decisions.

The topics discussed yesterday included ‘The CPA and Parliament and the Media Review of Recommendations for an Informed Democracy’, ‘The role of the Media as the Fourth Estate’, ‘Parliament and the Media: General issues’, ‘Defining Public Interest’ and ‘Access to Parliamentary Information.’

Guyana can Lead the World
- President says of Guyana’s role in climate change
PRESIDENT Bharrat Jagdeo, in his address at Sunday night’s flag raising ceremony to mark Guyana’s 42nd Anniversary as an independent nation, has once again alluded to Guyana’s initiative on Climate Change and the offer of its rainforest in the battle against the worldwide climate change phenomenon.

According to him, Guyana has the opportunity to lead the world in this area. 

‘I am confident that this national debate will show the world that our independent Guyana possesses a capacity to participate with the international community, not as a poor country looking for handouts but as a proud, independent nation with an understanding of how environmental vision can sustain prosperity and the path to social justice’ – President Jagdeo

The Head of State noted that Climate Change is an increasingly visible reality in the country and that more recently, Guyanese have witnessed the devastation on production and lives associated with adverse weather patterns and flooding.

He said the country is facing the effects of the phenomenon, though it is one of the problems that originated outside the country’s borders.

“It is estimated by the United Nations that 60% of our GDP was lost in the 2005 floods…climate change, globalisation, rising global populations and prosperity, and regional development are forces that create challenges, but they also represent a historic opening for our country,” Mr. Jagdeo told those gathered at the National Park to witness the event.

The President pointed out that as Guyana forges ahead with its new economy, ‘climate change is one area in which Guyana can literally lead the world’ and now is the time to use ‘our ability to advance the world’s attempts to avert the worst extremes of climate change’.  

Emphasising the importance of the country’s rich asset, its standing rainforest, President Jagdeo reiterated the importance of tropical forests to the world and reminded that they store carbon and are home to a wealth of bio-diversity.

“Tropical deforestation contributes about 20% of the world’s greenhouse gases. Yet, in the Kyoto Protocol there is very little incentive to address this problem compared with other sources of greenhouses gases.”

&We are working to reverse this disproportionality. We are arguing that there should be market-based incentives for the preservation of rainforests,” he added.

On this note, the Guyanese head of state asserted that if this goal is realised Guyana could garner significant flows and resources could be deployed to protect the country’s people while support could go towards investments in health, education and low-carbon economic activities.

“Key to achieving this is building the necessary arguments for a post-Kyoto climate agreement. We are joining with strategic partners from across the world to do this. As I have publicly stated on a number of occasions, we are open to receiving proposals on how Guyana’s rainforest can be deployed in the global battle against climate change,” the Head of State contended.

“I am confident that this national debate will show the world that our independent Guyana possesses a capacity to participate with the international community, not as a poor country looking for handouts but as a proud, independent nation with an understanding of how environmental vision can sustain prosperity and the path to social justice,” he concluded.  

Protecting the ozone layer…
130 Customs Officers, 600 technicians in trained team
By Priya Nauth
GUYANA has assembled a country team (CT) to meet the goals outlined in the Montreal Protocol to preserve the ozone layer.

But, while Government is committed to the preservation, citizens must remember that it is their duty to protect and take care of the environment.

Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Robert Persaud, issued the challenge in remarks at the opening of a three-day meeting, part of which is to launch Guyana’s ‘Terminal Phase out Management Plan’ (TPMP), at Hotel Tower, Main Street, Georgetown.

This country is, for the first time, hosting the annual Ozone Officers Network Meeting for the English-speaking Caribbean.

Participants at the forum include from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and its Ozone Secretariat.

The event is being funded by the Multilateral Fund (MF) and was organised by the UNEP Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNEP/ROLAC), in collaboration with UNDP and the Ministry of Agriculture.

Persaud said, since the signing of the covenant in Canada, Guyana has had several successes in meeting the obligations under it.

One success is the establishment of the CT, which includes broad representation and participation of various stakeholders and, through their work and support from the MF, Guyana was able to craft its national programme, called the Refrigeration Management Plan (RMP), as well as prepare the Technical Phase out Management Plan, a document to be signed by the end of the seminar, Persaud stated.

He informed the gathering that Guyana also embarked on a public awareness drive and the focus has been on training Government employees who have to help, in terms of controlling the importation of the substances which may be contained in certain appliances.

That is why, in excess of 130 Customs Officers have been trained in monitoring and controlling ozone depletion substances.

&#Another 600 technicians have also been trained and certified in good refrigeration practices, recovery and recycling,” Persaud disclosed. 

He said one more stride is that there has been an increase in companies which are seeking to use ozone friendly alternatives and a number of public activities and events are being utilised to enhance public awareness.

A very important success is the programme to phase out chlorofluocarbons (CFCs) in the refrigeration and air conditioning sectors has seen a reduction of their consumption from the baseline of 53.2 tonnes to 8.6 tonnes in 2006, 84 per cent, Persaud stated. 

It is anticipated that the 100 per cent phase out will be achieved before 2010, Persaud assured.

He recalled that this country became a party to the Montreal pact in August 1993 and, subsequently, in 1999, the London, Copenhagen and Montreal amendments were ratified and Guyana is classified as an Article Five under the agreement, meaning that its annual per capita consumption and production of ozone depleting substances is less than 0.3 kilogrammes.

&#Importantly, we neither export nor manufacture these products and our uses are confined to the refrigeration and air conditioning sector,” Persaud explained.

He said, around 1998, Guyana created the National Ozone Action Unit (NOAU) as part of the Hydrometeorological Service which falls under the Ministry of Agriculture, to ensure compliance with its obligations.  

&#Another important step which is an indication of how serious the Government is on this matter is that, last year, Cabinet approved the Restrictions of Import of Ozone Depleting Substances and that was enacted under the Trade Act,” Persaud noted.

&#Guyana makes a relatively small or perhaps insignificant contribution to ozone depletion substances and greenhouse gases at the global level,” he maintained.

&#We are a net sink for carbon and, in spite of this, we have taken very seriously our obligations contained within the Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol,” Persaud asserted.

He continued: “Whilst we are taking the necessary steps and actions to address the critical issue of protecting our ozone layer and to reduce and restrict ozone depleting substances, we recognise that there is need for stronger action if we are going to address the issue and the broader issue of global warming and climate change in a serious way.”

&#Guyana has always advocated and will continue to advocate for a paradigm shift in the way we view our roles and responsibilities,” the minister pledged.

“As developing countries, who perhaps have contributed the least, given the present extending catastrophe of climate change, we believe that the developed countries have to help us to adapt by providing us with appropriate, accessible and affordable technologies across sectors and to make available the technical and financial resources for us to adapt to climate change,” he argued.