By Alva Solomon 

PRESIDENT David Granger last evening unveiled government’s intention to adopt a Green Development Strategy (GDS) and he highlighted this approach as being good for business.

The President also told a large gathering at the opening ceremony of the country’s premier exposition, GuyExpo 2016, at the Sophia Exhibition Complex, that the strategy will focus heavily on renewable energy sources and over time, all government buildings will transition to utilise such alternative sources of energy. “The Government of Guyana must lead the way in transitioning towards renewable energy use”, he said.
The President said that Guyana is heavily dependent on the extractive and agriculture industries. He said that the high dependence on agriculture and the exhaustion of natural resources place Guyana at risk of erosion of its natural assets. “Guyana therefore needs a sustainable model for its economy,” the Head of State said. He said that the country needs to rapidly transition to enable other forms of energy, adding that the government will invest in solar, wind and biomass sources of energy over the next five years. “Guyana needs a green development strategy and this is my task, my mission,” he said. He told those gathered that a green economy is necessary to ensure the sustainable management of the country’s natural resources and assets. He posited that a green economy is needed as the country has an addiction to fossil fuels. According to the Head of State , the importation of fossil fuel products have exacted a heavy burden on the country’s finances, noting that in the year 2012 the country expended almost a quarter of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on petroleum-based products.
Coastal management plan
According to the President, as part of its GDS plans, the authorities will create and operationalise a comprehensive coastal management plan to protect habitation. He said that the authorities will also implement a coastal eco-system and systems plan, create green enterprises and jobs. In addition, he said that a green education will be incorporated into the school system. In addition, he noted that the country has the potential to generate hydroelectricity from more than 100 sites which are suitable for large or small projects. In addition to solar energy generation, he told those seated that the country has the potential to also develop wind energy projects along its 432Km coastline. According to the President, the sugar and rice industries have the potential for producing energy from the manufacturing process.

Environmental security
The strategy will examine environmental security. According to the President, more than 80% of Guyana’s population resides on the coastland and those persons are engaged in agriculture, such as the sugar and rice industries, as well as in fishing. Noting that the coastland is low and flat, he said that it is prone to flooding and breaches of the sea defence structures. “Our sea defence system is fragile and it requires repairs”, he said. He said that as part of the GDS, the authorities will develop a comprehensive plan for the rehabilitation and construction of all coastal sea defence , drainage and irrigation systems. He said that a green economy must also include the communities being free of litter and waterways must be protected from pollution. To this end, he called on the Neighbourhood Democratic Councils and the municipal bodies to ensure that solid waste disposal plans are in working order.
Ecological services
According to the President, the forest provides ecological and environmental services to humanity, and he noted that Guyana’s recognition of the responsibility for the

global effort to combat climate change was demonstrated when he signed the Paris Agreement on April 22 at the United Nations headquarters in New York. He said that the country committed at that signing to improve its timber management to maintain a high level of timber legality as the nation also increases its value-added products. The President also called for the establishment of protected areas in each administrative region, noting that they must make a contribution to environmental conservation. He noted the government’s commitment to placing an additional two million hectares of land and waterways for conservation.
Enterprise and employment
“Green development is good for business,” the President noted and to this end he said that the “green revolution” can spur a wide range of businesses, while creating employment opportunities. He spoke of organics foods, recycling plants, sustainable agriculture and green-financing options which can foster this aspect of the strategy.
Earlier, Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin noted that GuyExpo 2016 presents an opportunity this year, being the Golden Jubilee year of Independence, for Guyanese to take stock and refocus. GuyExpo 2016 provides a baseline from which we must progressively develop an economy that in 10 years time, while still growing, will be the envy of the region.”
He said that this year’s event has a hefty price tag attached to it. ”Making GuyExpo a successful event doesn’t come cheap”, he noted. He said dozens of contractors were engaged to provide the various services and supplies to ensure the exposition’s success. Gaskin said the importance of foreign inputs in business should also be considered. He said that in order for the sector to develop,

there is need for foreign and local collaboration.
President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Vishnu Doerga, noted that the event highlights the abundant business opportunities Guyana possesses. He said that the risks of doing business are varied and according to him, it is important that strategic planning receives the attention it requires. He said that over the past few years the business sector has experienced the simultaneous drop in prices in many of the major traditional exports. He said that these drops have exposed the over reliance of trading in commodities in raw or minimally processed form. Jamaican entrepreneur Valerie Grant of GeoTech Vision, called on those gathered to work on various aspects of business enhancement as she noted that collaboration as an entrepreneur is of great significance. “Let’s showcase to the rest of the world that Guyana means business and is open for business“, an optimistic Grant noted to rounds of applause from those in attendance.