Environmental and Education Policy Coordinator at the Ministry of the Presidency (MoTP)’s Department of the Environment, Alvin Doris has urged all young people to start “scavenging” for problems as Guyana becomes an oil producing nation pursuing a ‘green’ pathway.

Addressing an oil and gas forum crafted for young people, Doris affirmed that youth are the “present going forward” and ought to play a part in the creation of developmental plans.

“Any aspiring ‘green’ State must find the importance of putting at the centre of its developmental thrust youth, because you are in essence what would make the ‘green’ State, the ‘green’ State,” Doris said.

Though Guyana is set to become an oil-producing nation in 2020, the country has outlined its ‘Green Agenda’ through which it is envisioned to become a sustainable State. Doris acknowledged that for many, the two may be seen as competing agendas but due diligence must be given.

“In some ways they might be [competing agendas], but I urge you young people to start scavenging for problems; start seeking out problems [and] be excited about problems, because problems present opportunities for solutions,” he posited.

These problems may arise from the emerging industry, according to him.

“There will be the concern of the potential deleterious effects of extraction and possible refinery and more so transport and use,” he said and further related that these processes would emit greenhouse gases, which are detrimental to the environment.

“Petroleum production is very important and where it holds potential for conflict with the environment, that presents an opportunity for you to seek out the requisite training, education, skills development, employment and business opportunities,” he said.

According to him, there are a myriad of jobs young people can get involved in in preparation for the potential disastrous effects of oil and gas but also as part of concerted efforts to protect the environment.

And to curb the wariness present among the youth at the forum, Doris also highlighted that proceeds from the petroleum industry can be used to enhance environmental conditions.

“So the nexus doesn’t have to be one that is negative or that is undesirable. The fact that there will be petroleum development in our maritime space should set us in motion to develop regulations that would seek effective management of our coastal ecosystems and so the existence of a coastal threat often sets in motion policies to avert impending disaster,” he underscored.

As such, in light of Guyana’s developmental trajectory, he urged young people to position themselves. He even suggested that areas like coastal management and renewable energy could be explored, to their benefit.

“It is incumbent upon you to be the persons who will move Guyana from potential to action,” he said.