AN element of the Green Economy is about using a nation’s indigenous resources — within stipulated international guidelines, laws and rules — for the people’s development. Towards this end, Guyana’s future development has to be approached through the path travelled and the consequences we have faced. Ours is a history in which efforts at indigenous programmes for sustainable development have been thwarted for eternal programmes imposed upon us.
In referring to the Feed, Clothe and House (FCH) the nation sustainable development programme under the Forbes Burnham administration, note is taken that this programme not only sought to utilise our indigenous resources, but also carried characteristics that fit into the philosophy underpinning the Green Economy. Consequently, this programme ought to be revisited and, where necessary, improved upon.

For instance, there was an urban agriculture component in which citizens were encouraged to grow food in their yards. And while today it is commendable that government has moved to clean up the environment, at the same time, it is urged that this be complemented by planting not only flowers, but also food. Both types of plants contribute to providing not only pleasing sight to the eyes, but also reducing carbon, given that man and plant share inter-dependency. The former releases carbon dioxide and the latter oxygen, which they take from each other in a necessary exchange for their survival.

Another element of planting is the economic benefit that comes with saving and supplementing of income. Guyana is rich in natural resources, including minerals, water, wind and sun; yet it remains a country yet to engage in meaningful research that would contribute to value-added for its citizens on a large scale.

Precious minerals are yet to see valued-added in the creation of a jewellery industry. In our backyards, backdams and interior, there can be found varieties of plants that can be used for medicinal purposes; and in some cases as teas. For instance, the carilla, which grows in abundance here, the leaves are being packaged in England and sold to us as herbal tea.

Research and development (R&D) is critical to ensuring a Green Economy. Building an economy with indigenous resources requires knowledge of the resources in order to maximise use and optimise the benefits for society.

The much touted Sovereign Wealth Fund, which is set up to manage revenue from oil, opens the opportunity to fund major research spearheaded by the government. This not only presents economic opportunity, but allows the utilisation and retention of our human capital. There are too many graduates who want to serve their country, but opportunities are scarce, if not non-existent.

President David Granger has addressed the issue of a village economy. This is another source for making the Green Economy real. What it requires is making available resources to kick-start its re-establishment through training, production and marketing. As consideration is given to GuySuCo for the sum of G$16 billion in 2016, government should equally consider making available G$16 million each to 80 villages. This presents economic opportunities, such as small garment factory for manufacturing school uniforms; ham and bacon production; plantain, banana, sweet potato and cassava chips; herbal teas; virgin coconut oil; cassareep; organic fish farming; pepper sauce, fruit juices and preserves, etc. These products have local and international markets desirability.

The money being given to GuySuCo is taxpayers’, and will never be returned to the Consolidated Fund. In the instance of the village economy, were the State to invest in the villagers (through grants and loans), some of this loan, if not all, would be returned to the Consolidated Fund.

Presently, cottage industries and small businesses face challenges in accessing loans from commercial banks, and small loan agencies’ interest rates are exorbitant. Brilliant ideas/proposals are thwarted because of these factors.
The new paradigm (Green Economy) to development is not rigidly hinged to, or defined by, labels such as socialist, capitalist, communist. It has been found that development is not premised on a ‘one size fits all’ model. As a global community made up of diverse peoples, cultures and countries, the pursuit of development in a ‘one size fits all’ model has proven to be problematic, leaving groups behind. In fact, it is the Human Development Index that determines development in the Green Economy.

The United Nations and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) are bringing peoples, cultures and countries around common markers for development. These include the elimination of poverty, hunger, discrimination, child labour, forced labour and the upholding of fundamental rights and freedoms. As such, it becomes over important that each government conceptualises and develops indigenous programmes for the benefit of the people. And this can only happen when the people get up, demand a seat at the table, and take seriously the fact that government exists to operate in the people’s interest.

Good governance will see government operating on behalf of the people. Good citizenship means the people will ensure this happens. A Green Economy cannot be achieved by violating time-honoured principles and laws and transgressing rights. The people’s welfare cannot be managed on gut-feelings.

Finally, none of what is said here can be made possible without the workers/citizens and the planet working in harmony for the sustainability of both. It means the ILO Core Labour Standards must be adhered to at all times. It means, too, that each country and its citizens must ensure adherence to the recently adopted, though not legally binding, Paris Agreement, which is the new global plan of action against climate change.