SEVERAL pertinent areas within Guyana’s natural resources sector were yesterday discussed between Canada’s Minister of State of Foreign Affairs, Diane Ablonzcy, and Natural Resources and Environment Minister, Robert Persaud.
Minister Ablonzcy and a delegation, including Canadian Ambassador, David Devine paid a courtesy call on Minister Persaud at his Shiv Chanderpal Drive and South Road Office, where discussions were also centred on future collaboration between the two countries.
The minister, who is on a two-day visit to Guyana, lauded the Guyana Government for its bold step in preserving and protecting the country’s natural resources.
Commending the minister for his leadership within the sector, Minister Ablonzcy also spoke of Canada’s protected areas and future possibilities for the two countries to learn from the expertise of each other.
“Canada is committed to being a good corporate citizen to Guyana, as we work together to build on our already successful relations…However, while we (two countries), work on sharing expertise, I am here also, so if there are any Canadian companies you are not satisfied with, you can speak to have the issue rectified,” she said.
Pointing to the country’s success, the Foreign Affairs Minister maintained that Canada will continue to invest, as there remains positive business ventures here. An invitation was also pitched for the Environment Minister to visit Alberta, Canada, to look at mining technologies.
Meanwhile, Minister Persaud speaking about Guyana’s deforestation rate, which remains at 0.05 percent, stated that government believes that its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) model will advance development, without compromising its forest agreement with Norway.
A mining school will also be established and, according to Minister Persaud, this move is to address the deficiencies of limited experiences within the sector.
“Currently, at the level of the GGMC, we are limited with the number of geologists, with the most operating in Guyana coming from overseas…this exercise (the school) will allow operators within the sector to be fully trained,” he said.
The minister also spoke of the importance of Canadian investments to Guyana’s development.