Guyana’s crucial LCDS project demolished by APNU, AFC
THE Opposition last evening in an incomprehensible move, and despite the many calls to reconsider this step, slashed the over $18B budgeted for projects under Guyana’s visionary Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS).
The $18.394B provision under the Ministry of Finance for Low Carbon Development Initiatives was cut – severely affecting Government’s plan for several developmental projects.
In an invited comment, Advisor to the President and Head of the Office of Climate Change Shyam Nokta told the Guyana Chronicle he is absolutely flabbergasted as to the rationale, if any, used by the Opposition to demolish such a crucial project for Guyana.
“I think it is indeed a sad day for Guyana. It is very unfortunate that this position has now been taken by the Opposition,” Nokta stated.
He said it is clearly going to affect the full range of projects that have been identified under the LCDS including the Amaila Falls hydropower project, “but also the hundreds of other projects that are going to benefit Amerindian communities, which are going to benefit small entrepreneurs, and the interventions to help us to adapt to climate change”.
“At the end of the day, it begs the question what is the rationality behind cutting the LCDS. What is the rationality behind this effort that will only prevent livelihood opportunities for all Guyanese,” he put forward.
“So I want to say that it is very, very sad, and it doesn’t help in our efforts at moving the LCDS forward. The LCDS has really enjoyed national support across our country. It has had international recognition, and it is now being used as a model for other countries to look at in terms of moving towards a green economy,” he noted.
“For it to be treated in this manner – it begs the question what is the rationality behind this,” the Head of the Office of Climate Change reiterated.
“I think, we have to go to the population and to present what has happened there tonight. We have to let the people know if this is responsible leadership. I know a lot of Guyanese across the country and especially Amerindians have been the champions of this LCDS, so all Guyanese will need to ask questions of their political leaders as to the rationality behind this,” Nokta declared.