GUYANA is being applauded for the policies and initiatives which have been designed and implemented towards mitigating the impact of climate change and promoting sustainable tourism development. Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) and Minister of International Transport for St. Kitts and Nevis, Mr. Richard Skerritt, made this pronouncement shortly after the keynote address by former Guyanese President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo at the STC conference.
Skerritt said: “We have applauded Guyana, and it was an amazing presentation by the former President, who spoke so intimately about those issues. As a leader and visionary for Guyana, it was clear to him that there were certain absolutely necessary steps that Guyana had to take in building sustainability into its developmental model.”

According to the CTO Chairman, this is an important process, occurring all across the region as countries become more aware of the steps to be taken to ensure sustainable development.
He also pointed to the importance of the country’s alternative energy project, Amaila Falls Hydro project, and the example this sets for other countries.
“The Guyana model is being used by CTO and the conference to serve as a real case study in going forward. We are saying ‘here is what is being considered and done. Let it inspire you, let it build your awareness, and you can then take back the message that this is needed’. Real projects are happening to make tourism more sustainable.”

Minister Skerritt pointed to the fact that this objective of achieving sustainable development is not about one project, but, rather, a multiplicity of initiatives. On this note, he pointed to the geothermal project currently being implemented in St. Kitts, a project which the islands in that area are excited about.
He explained, “With this idea, the island will produce sufficient energy at a relatively low cost, and will be able to supply energy to neighbouring countries like Puerto Rico.”

In addition, he said that Guyana is indeed fortunate that it has the capacity to implement the hydro project.
Despite the fact that not all Caribbean countries have the same capacity, the CTO Chairman emphasized, they are all doing the best with what they have.