This week’s article concludes the conversation on the green economy. This economy is built on a macro policy where the pillars are Sustainable Development, Labour Policies, and Environment. These pillars are interwoven, and cannot function separate and distinct from each other.

THE green economy has its genesis in progressive thinking that recognises the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) does not necessarily redound to the masses’ benefit, prudent exploitation of society’s resources, and protection of the environment. It was also recognised that the failure to adhere to these values not only ensures the inequities that lead to poverty, but also contributes to depletion of resources, environmental problems, instability, absence of quality life, and provides a threat to longevity.

This economy expects Government — through policies, programmes and laws — to create the enabling environment wherein the people, through the various sectors of the economy, would be allowed to realise their true potential.

For instance: the farmer in a green economy would be assured of the protection of his/her economic pursuits and compliance, with practices as in instance of using organic fertiliser in lieu of chemicals, which is proven to be harmful to the user, ecosystem and consumer (i.e. environment), preparing the earth for replanting and rejuvenation (i.e. sustainable development), and the use of protective gears and appropriate work practices (i.e. labour policies).

Worker in this economy would be assured of ‘Protection of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms of the Individual” (Title I of the Guyana Constitution). This includes the right to join a trade union of choice, and have that union engage in collective bargaining on their behalf. Through Collective Labour Agreement, which binds both employer and union to engage in good-faith negotiation consistent with Section 23 (1) of the Trade Union Recognition Act, the welfare of both groups can be assured.

For stakeholders under the Tripartite Committee — i.e. Government, Employers and Workers’ organisations — the social partners are required to collaborate in ensuring the welfare and wellbeing of the people, be they employed, employer, self-employed, retired or unemployed.

It is instructive to note that Article 13 (Guyana Constitution) allows for involvement of groups and individuals in the management and decision-making processes of the state on issues that impact their well-being.

The green economy, particularly in societies like ours — which have risen from historical experiences of marginalisation and oppression, wherein our resources were plundered without regard for sustainable development of the indigenous population — stands to forge camaraderie among the disparate groups.

Where the Labour Policies in this economy recognise the equality of all, it breathes the opportunity for social cohesion and national unity. Social cohesion, which is grounded in the principles of equality and justice, focuses on social inclusion, social capital and social mobility. The protection of these will create fertile ground for all to benefit.

Guyana, in addition to being a signatory to the United Nations Climate Change Agreement (2015), can move to strengthen and deepen our Environmental Protection laws and agencies, which in this economy would focus on protecting the environment, ecosystem, and improving the health and longevity of the people.

It is forward-thinking of the APNU+AFC administration to embrace this economy as a developmental thrust. Making it possible, however, requires structured and meaningful actions consistent with its pillars. The green economy is not about planting trees and painting the place green; it is about policies, laws and programmes aimed at reducing poverty, protecting the people, ensuring their resources are properly managed and their environment healthy. It requires a plan that factors in short-, medium- and long-term goals.

Some areas that can be addressed immediately are:

i) Organic farming: this requires Government giving leadership to developmental projects such as solid and liquid waste disposal, converting solid and liquid waste into organic fertiliser. The projects identified by Cevons Waste Management in liquid and solid waste can make real organic farming, and are deserving of Government’s support. Another area could see government providing incentives to farmers by making land and technical resources available. There needs to be a national initiative in seeking markets for organic products

ii)   Landscaping – this should see new legislation that would address the environment in areas such as roads and highways, tree and flower planting, pollution, waterways, etc

iii) Labour policies:- establishment of a Ministry of Labour, respect for and enforcement of the International Labour Organisation’s Decent Work Agenda Programme.

iv) Recycling: through supporting legislation and the developing of an industry;

v)  August 2012 Agreement between Central Government and the Region 10 Democratic Council:- This agreement has within the potential to make this region a model project consistent with this economy and social cohesion;

vi)  Alternative energy:- trapping our wind, water and solar potential through legislation and incentives and usage. Central Housing and Planning Authority can focus on having new developments take on board appropriate factors such as sewage management, new energy, etc.

The green economy offers this nation opportunities for development wherein citizens can be involved and benefit, but it requires strong and incisive leadership at various levels in society, starting from the political directorate.