-in keeping with UN and UNESCO Conventions
The Maritime Zones Bill, which was tabled in the National Assembly on October 15, 2009, by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Monday met with favourable responses from Opposition members. The Bill, which benefited from extensive analysis and consultations at the level of a parliamentary sectoral committee, provides for marine scientific research, maritime cultural area, eco-tourism, marine parks and reserves and mariculture ( the protection and preservation of the marine environment) and other related matters.
It incorporates certain provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the United Nations Education Scientific Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Convention.
Minister Rodrigues-Birkett said that the committee held 11 meetings in order to bring the Bill to fruition. She pointed out that before taking the Bill to the select committee, legislation of other CARICOM territories were consulted. However, it was realised that much has not been done regionally as it relates to the provisions in the Bill.
“This Bill as amended in the select committee is a big step forward for Guyana, and by extension for the Caribbean Community,” she stated.
People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) member Aubrey Norton, supporting the Bill, highlighted that its passage will necessitate the building of human resources capacity. He also pointed out that there is need to educate the relevant stakeholders on the provisions of the Bill.
The Bill consisted of 14 sections, each dealing with the provisions for the various maritime zones and boundaries, particularly as it relates to Guyana’s waterways.(GINA)