– Dr. Luncheon says in his tribute to Champion of the Earth, Bharrat Jagdeo
In a stirring tribute at Friday’s recognition ceremony for President Bharrat Jagdeo’s achievement of the Champion of the Earth award, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, said the President’s diligent efforts have been the inspiration that put Guyana back on the pedestal. Delivering the vote of thanks on the lawns of the Guyana International Conference Centre, Dr. Luncheon said the President’s achievements should inspire all to join the campaign.
“As we wend our way home, we should commit to ourselves, in our private moments, to proclaim President Jagdeo, and even more importantly, to say , ‘I want to be a part of this vision and I want to work with his administration in achieving it,” Dr. Luncheon said.

The Champion of the Earth is the highest award offered by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) for environmental leadership. The Guyanese Head of State was among six persons, including one other Head of State, to receive the award at a gala event in Seoul, South Korea in April. He received the award in the category of biodiversity and ecosystems management.
Dr. Luncheon however believes that it was the motivation, zeal and love for Guyana that should be celebrated as it was the driving force behind the achievement of the award.
“If we were to take a page from his book, if we were to commit ourselves, if we were to work with the same zeal and forthrightness, I think all of us would feel that we also have made a contribution,” Dr Luncheon.
He acknowledged the recognition which President Jagdeo gained has enabled a deeper and enduring sense about Guyana, and noted that ‘a deeply appreciated nation is here recognizing what you have done.’
He considered his work relationship with the President as one of the honours which he enjoys as he reminisced on his previous work relationships with successive Heads of State since the ascension of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) into office in 1992.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues in the Cabinet and Guyanese at home and abroad, Dr. Luncheon said they have been inspired by the President’s efforts to raise Guyana’s image.
The recognition ceremony attracted thousands of Guyanese from all walks of life, including officials of the United Nations (UN), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and trade union representatives who converged on the lawns of the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC) for a reception in recognition of the 2010 Champion of the Earth awardee.