THE importance of the Green State Development Strategy: Vision 2040 was emphasized at a three-day Green Regional Conference recently held in Region 10 with the Community Development Councils (CDCs) in collaboration with the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL).

Held under the theme “Sustainability in Economic, Social, Political Environmental and Cultural Development in 2019 and Beyond”, the conference saw a number of CDCs in Region 10 gathered at the Watooka House, showcasing linkages between Region 10’s Natural Resources Management and the Sustainable Development of Guyana and the rest of the Caribbean.

Dr. Simpson Da Silva, a representative of the Ministry of Communities (MoC) noted, “The three days showcased the creative and production initiatives of some aspects of the Region’s policies, programmes, projects and activities, from the smallest household economic activities to the mid-sized enterprises up to the large-scale strategic initiatives and action plans.”

It was hoped that participants would recognise that Guyana can become a model for the Caribbean and the rest of the world towards the pursuit of sustainability for all its people. Da Silva noted the need for linkages to be established with all CDCs, Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs), Regional Democratic Councils (RDCs) and municipalities to operationalize the Green State Development Strategy: Vision 2040.

“These are meant to indicate how we can sustainably develop the Regions, with Linden as the Sustainable Model, and which could be replicated in the other nine Regions of Guyana. In Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice natural resources particularly agricultural, forest, water and mineral resources, primary and value-added production will be the forward base for sustainable production and consumption. This will provide opportunities for producers, service providers and distributers to showcase their goods and services”.

Da Silva thanked NICIL for its involvement in helping to make the event possible.
“I do see NICIL playing a very important role in the various green conferences, green conversations that will be held throughout Guyana and helping with solutions at the community level. NICIL’s role with the Green State Strategy: Vision 2040 is very important as NICIL is one of the agencies that should be prepared to participate fully in the green development agenda” he said.

He also called on the private sector to play its role, as achieving a green state would require the collaboration of all stakeholders in the development of Guyana.
Caption (saved as: CDC): The 15 delegates from 15 CDC communities within Region 10 pose for a photograph at the Watooka House.