PRESIDENT David Granger yesterday urged the people of Bartica to lead the country’s “green revolution.”

The President was in the mining community to participate in the 2015 National Tree Planting Day exercise.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and was held at the Bartica Community Centre Ground. Among those in attendance were Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs Sydney Allicock, Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder, Minister within the Ministry of Education Nicolette Henry, Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection Simona Broomes, and Minister within the Ministry of Communities Keith Scott.

As the President announced that National Tree Planting Day will become an annual event, he told the large gathering that he wants Bartica to be a model town for not only Guyana, but for the world at large.

“It must also be a model town, for environment, for ecology, energy. We want to work with NGOs, miners, RDCs [Regional Democratic Council], and private citizens to make sure that this revolution does not falter, so we can show the world what we mean by the green economy,” the President said.

The entire green economy plan, the President explained, forms part of his administration’s overall plan for the long- term development of Guyana.
“This green economy as you’ve already heard is aimed at your long- term well-being. It will reduce social inequalities, it will promote sustainable environmental practices,” he added.

However moving forward with this plan, the President said his government will adopt five strategies. These will include the promotion of sustainable exploitation of the country’s natural resources.
“We must have alongside mining, a programme for reforestation, a programme for solid waste management and the disposal of all these toxic chemicals,” the President said.

Reminding residents of the OMAI cyanide spill some 20 years ago, the President called on residents to be the watchdogs for their environment.

The second strategy, the Head of State said, must be to ensure that there is a good solid waste programme.

“You have to ensure that solid waste is carefully disposed of and I hope that in weeks to come, we will be able to introduce recycling practices,” he added. It is also part of the government’s plan to promote sustainable energy, by introducing solar and wind farms, and hydroelectricity. “Much of the energy we are using can be generated by sustainable means, by sun, water, biogas and wind, so let us promote the sustainable energy initiatives,” the residents were told.

Speaking of the last two strategies, the President said all efforts must be made to promote the use of sound ecological services, and green technology.

“I want you to promote sound ecological practices, by encouraging the growth and replanting of forests, so it is up to you,” President Granger told the gathering.

Meanwhile, the President congratulated the effort of Barticians for taking up the challenge in leading the way for making Guyana a green country.
He also lauded the effort of the Ministry of Agriculture. “We have come here today to congratulate you on your role as leaders but also to thank you for accepting this responsibility. I will come back to see how well you are leading so you have a responsibility to all of Guyana,” he said.

Also on the occasion, Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder congratulated the residents of the community for taking up the challenge which was thrown out to them a few months ago by the President. Minister Holder said this exercise is one of many tasks that need to be accomplished for a green status to be achieved.

“The Government of Guyana has decided as a general policy to promote the development of a green economy.From an agricultural standpoint, investing in a green economy has the potential to enhance food security, reduce poverty, improve nutrition and health and create rural jobs while reducing pressure on the environment,” Minister Holder pointed out. It is for this and many other reasons, he said his ministry is pleased to collaborate with other agencies, including the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Communities, the Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affairs and other organisations in making Guyana a green country.

The National Tree Planting Day initiative was well received by Barticians and scores of persons turned out at the Bartica Community Centre ground with plants to participate.

Schoolchildren from schools around the community also came out to participate, saying they were encouraged by the President and their teachers to be a part of the exercise.