GUYANA is the envy among many nations in the world which has the capacity to produce food for both its local population and the export market. However, unlike 15 or 20 years ago when changing weather patterns were not so manifest; when the only weather patterns known to us were the wet and dry seasons; when our weather pattern was known only to be seasonal, every Guyanese, more so our farmers were hydro-meteorologist in their own right.
Now, like society, weather pattern is not static and in today’s world we are bombarded with the frightening phenomenon of climate change, in our case the La Nina and El Nino weather patterns among other forms of natural disasters. It is precisely because of these and other global changes that our own Guyana has to implement measures which could warn us ahead, of impending dangers so we could make the necessary arrangements to take evasive action.
It is with this in mind that we unequivocally support our Agriculture Ministry as it seeks to strengthen partnerships regionally and internationally to improve its hydro-meteorological works and services. This is a positive step which is aimed at gearing our hydromet experts to better able to monitor the behavioural patterns of weather on a longer term, rather than on a shorter term. Long term observation is better as it will give us more time to make preparations in order to cushion the effects of some of the erratic weather patterns, especially those we have experienced in the past.
While we do not experience natural disasters like tsunamis, hurricanes, tornadoes etc., because we are so heavily dependent on our agriculture sector which depends on water and sun, we support the recent stakeholders’ meeting with Agriculture minister, Dr. Leslie Ramsammy as the country makes moves to be better able to meet challenges of unpredictable weather patterns.
Our case for such collaboration would be better understood and appreciated when we single out agriculture and its importance to Guyanese. In this sector we deal with the cultivation and manufacture of sugar and rice. Along with sugar and rice are vegetables and ground provisions. These four sectors alone in agriculture employ a substantive section of the country’s population. This apart, agriculture is one of the major pillars of our economy and any initiative to help it maintain and perhaps improve its vibrancy must be roundly applauded.
Since it is recognized that long term weather predictions could lead to better preparedness for erratic weather patterns whereby enough time would be there to make the necessary preparations, it is heartening to note that Guyana would be working through a project called SHOCS-Strengthening Hydromet Operations and Services in the Caribbean.
Minister Ramsammy was on target when he explained that hydrometeorological services is not only what the weather would be like today or tomorrow, but would be looking at long term forecasting and putting steps in place to deal with the challenges before the fact. It is clear in Dr. Ramsammy’s mind that in order for us to continue relying on agriculture, we would have to boost our hydromet capabilities. This is indeed a sure way to go especially because of the overall importance of the weather pattern on agriculture, and in this respect we are mindful of the initiatives taken by the ministry to better read the weather.
We have had bitter experiences in the past whereby we were not alert enough to make the necessary preparations for both the El Nino and La Nina weather phenomena. When they unleashed their terror our farmers could have done nothing to save their crops but to look in awe as the damage unfolded.
We have had our fingers burnt in the past and must therefore take steps to avoid any replay.