ONCE again, Guyana’s former President and its architect of modernity, Bharat Jagdeo, has been recognised by the University of Central Lancashire, for his   contributions to sustainable development and environmental issues, according to press reports. To this end, he will receive an honorary Doctorate degree, his fourth such award. It is significant to note that the former president will be in the company of two other distinguished professionals. This is testimony to the high esteem, respect, and prestige which he now commands, internationally. There is no doubt, that the former President’s Low Carbon Development Strategy(LCDS), already adopted as a model for sustainable development  and eco-systems services, will be pivotal to global efforts in the battle against climate change.

This is indeed a noble and selfless act by this distinguished son of the soil, who has extended his vision for a better Guyana to that for a safer planet. And already, Guyana is reaping the reward as a result of the unstinting work of this great patriot and internationalist, through the GRIFF+, an arrangement with the Kingdom of Norway, by which this country has been receiving payment for its climate change services.

Undoubtedly, given the grudging nature of the political opposition parties’ brand of politics, such an announcement will not be received with any much comfort. This is a basic problem with opposition politics – too narrow and parochial in their understanding and discharging of their official duties. Rather than see the whole of an issue – they view only the miniscule part. Of course, this does not apply to all of them, since there has been public recognition from a few, of Dr. Jagdeo’s contribution to this country’s socio-economic development.  

All Guyana must again hail this latest recognition, bestowed upon a deserving pioneer.