PRESIDENT David Granger has extended condolences to the family and friends of the late conservationist and giant river otter expert Diane McTurk, who passed away on Saturday at the St Joseph Mercy Hospital.McTurk, who had been a pioneer of ‘green’ development and eco-tourism, had converted her family’s former working cattle ranch and balata collection station — established in 1927 by her father, Tiny McTurk — into an eco-tourism destination known as The Karanambu Lodge in the mid-1980s, and had worked tirelessly to promote sustainable development, rehabilitating injured river otters and returning them to the wild.

“All Guyanese can be inspired by her commitment to the conservation of the Rupununi savannah and wetlands ecosystem, even as the country moves towards the development of a ‘green’ state. Guyana needs more champions of the environment like Ms. McTurk, who can advance the principles of the sustainable use of the environment and the protection of our biodiversity.

“May her legacy be the responsible use of our natural resources through wildlife and habitat conservation, research, and education in partnership with international agencies and local communities,” a release from the Ministry of the Presidency has said.

President Granger has also expressed deepest sympathy to Ms. McTurk’s nephew, Edward McTurk; his wife Melanie McTurk; other relatives and friends of Diane McTurk, and all who were touched by her life, even as they reflect on, and celebrate, her remarkable life.