ONCE again I would like to remind my fellow Guyanese and non-believers of the reality of climate change that is taking its toll in Guyana and around the world, disrupting the livelihoods of citizens and has devastated the economies of some first world countries.
No society will be spared of the effects of climate change, but I believe Guyana is on the right path, the path of mitigation through the Low Carbon Development Strategy and the numerous investments being made to mitigate the effects of climate change resulting from rising sea levels, intense rainfall and other unpredictable weather conditions.
However, I must commend the government, particularly the Ministry of Agriculture, for significantly investing in the drainage and irrigation sector despite numerous objections by opposition and other elements that are opposed to development and securing the livelihoods of citizens.
Climate change has proven its existence once again with high-intensity rainfall south of Guyana and  Brazil resulting in flooding in areas thought to be the highlands of Guyana, but has succumbed to the rising Takutu and Rio Branco Rivers inundating rural vulnerable and riverine communities in Guyana and Brazil. Despite the challenge of access to affected communities the government and its agencies have been with the people and provided necessary support. The response in affected areas by the government has been broad-based to target the needs of all citizens and the government must be commended, while a more targeted response will be forthcoming as floodwaters recede.
Meanwhile, in the background, in an effort to discredit the prompt response of the government,the Opposition Leader of the PNCR has been walking around in flood waters to spread misinformation and create mischief amongst farmers and other residents rather than providing workable suggestions to alleviate the situation. This is not surprising as Mr. Granger is continuing in the footsteps of his predecessors to create mischief and chaos.
Further, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the numerous challenges that our country has overcome to become an economically stable country and the only food-secure country in the Caribbean. These are accolades that cannot be disputed, so let’s rally together for a better Guyana and let progress continue.