HERE are initial reactions to Guyana’s draft Low Carbon Development Strategy President Bharrat Jagdeo formally launched yesterday at the International Convention Centre, Liliendaal:

PAUL STEPHENSON, Chief Executive Officer of Cara Hotels: “I was very impressed by the initiative as presented by the President. I feel it will have very positive effects on Guyana’s tourism industry, hotels and eco-tourism activities. This will place Guyana on a new level of international acceptance in the green policies and any discerning eco-tourist will derive great comfort from such strong governmental policies.”

DANE GOBIN, CEO, Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation and Development: “It’s a very positive move. The President showed that he is committed to the process of using Guyana’s rainforest to combat climate change. Naturally, countries like Guyana need money for social, physical development so the offer is based on fair remuneration and I think it’s an excellent way to have simultaneously conservation and economic growth and we are willing to support it in any way that we can.

It fits in perfectly with Iwokrama’s sustainable vision…we want to prove that forests are worth more alive than dead and the way to do that is through the development of sustainable forest businesses using multiple forest resources. So it fits in very well with the work and vision of Iwokrama.”

ANNETTE ARJOON, Northwest Organics in Region One: “I think it was very, very impressive and I am fully behind our President for this remarkable initiative. It’s exciting and I think we as Guyanese would do well to support it on our own different ways and it’s very good that they are doing this whole consultation process…I am excited about what will come out of it. I think we have a lot to benefit from this and to set an example for the rest of the world.”