PRESIDENT David Granger, accompanied by Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Carl Greenidge and team last week presented Guyana’s case and positions to the 71st Annual Session of the United Nations (UN).

Guyana is particularly threatened by climate change, given our vulnerability to sea- level rise. It was therefore a positive step undertaken by the Government in being among the first 60 nations to ratify the Climate Change Agreement signed in Paris earlier this year. The Agreement aims to limit the global temperature rise to 2C above pre-industrial levels, with an aspiration of keeping it to 1.5C. Though reservations may exist as to Guyana’s capacity and capabilities to achieve the goals within the Agreement, particularly those that have specific timelines, nothing is impossible when people come together and commit to achieve.
The APNU+AFC administration has committed to a developmental agenda built on the Green Economy. In short, this economy focuses on Sustainable Development, Labour Policies and the Environment.  With the ratification of the Climate Agreement it will require putting systems in place to ensure compliance. Compliance ultimately is dependent on the people’s involvement. Each stakeholder and individual has to know what the goals are, and their roles and responsibilities in achieving these.
Knowledge of the environment and the importance of conforming to universally acceptable standards require effective mass-based education and training, targeting from the least amongst us to the most certified.  It would help if such is pursued as a matter of national import, given timeline requirements in some areas of the Climate Agreement.
Sustainable development which relies on exploiting indigenous resources in a responsible manner in pursuit of the nation’s development is not new to society.  It would be recalled that the nation once pursued the Feed, Clothe and House Programme (FCHP). Though there remains a blue print and persons with institutional memory that helped pilot and steer this programme, roadblocks to success cannot be ignored.
None can deny that the FCHP continues to attract negative thoughts and publicity. Some can argue, with some justification, that such is driven by narrow partisan interests and ignorance.  Where it may be a herculean task to change the view in the former instance, though it should be striven for, the latter instance requires education as to the benefits to be derived and providing needed support mechanisms, technical and financing.
In the area of Labour Policies, the only mass-based organisation this country has to achieve this is the trade union.  Development cannot occur, be sustained, and improved without the involvement of workers. Seeing workers, employers and government collaborating as partners in development would be beneficial to all.
The Guyana Government has joined fellow right-thinking governments in condemning the refugee and migrant crisis and committed to play a role in helping to resolve it.  Coming with such commitment, in addition with the expectation held that countries would complement their commitment with action, the world and the UN also expect governments to avoid situations in their countries that can add to the problem. Conflicts and disasters, natural or man-made, are features of human existence and reality. Recognition of these as in the instance of man-made conflict must see efforts at avoidance or minimisation. This undoubtedly requires human engagement on the principle of mutual respect and desire to collectively succeed.
On behalf of the people, President Granger made a spirited and passionate claim to the UN Assembly to have the vexing issue of the Venezuela border controversy resolved once and for all.  Having before tried various diplomatic approaches, it continues to be seen that the Government of Venezuela holds a view inconsistent with the October 1899 Arbitral Award that made Essequibo ours.  The conquistador era is behind us, the Award remains final and binding, and Guyana’s desire to have any doubt erased in the world’s highest court (International Court of Justice) is expected to finally put the unjust claim to rest. Undoubtedly, aspects of this country and people’s development have been stymied by the controversy.
As Guyana continues to distinguish herself in the international arena, it cannot be ignored on the home front that work has to be done.  The issues stated require the involvement of all the people. It suggests also that there has to be growth in our politics beyond ignoring our laws, sidelining stakeholders, and un-necessary non-cooperation. This country belongs to all of us and all must feel wanted, be treated with respect, and allowed to invest in its growth and development. Doing this not only helps the country, but also the UN’s ideals.