…renews calls for the mitigation of global warming

PRESIDENT David Granger, on behalf of Guyana, expressed condolences to the people of Australia for the loss of lives and destruction caused by continued bushfires in southeast of the country. At the time, the Head of State was receiving Letters of Credence from the Non-Resident High Commissioner of the Commonwealth of Australia to Guyana, Bruce Lendon, at the Ministry of the Presidency.

Caused mainly by drought and extreme heat, bushfires are wreaking havoc in Australia. Reports suggest that since September, 2019, 23 people have been killed in the bushfires including three volunteer firefighters. An estimated 480 million animals have been killed since bushfires started in New South Wales last September.

President Granger said, as climate change threatens human habitation everywhere, global efforts must be accelerated to mitigate its impact.

“Guyana, itself, is a low-lying coastal State and is threatened by global warming and rising sea levels along its Atlantic Coast. Guyana, also, as part of the Guiana Shield, is aware of recent fires in the Amazon Region of neighbouring Brazil. These adverse and extreme environmental events highlight the need for immediate and decisive global responses to protect the environment and humanity,” he said.

Guyana and Australia, he stated, share a common interest in the preservation and protection of the environment.  “We look forward to future collaboration as our states combat the adverse consequences of climate change,” he told the Non-Resident High Commissioner.

Noting that Guyana is on the path to becoming a ‘green state,’ President Granger said the country will see an increased emphasis on the protection of the environment, the preservation of its biodiversity, the promotion of the generation of energy from renewable sources and the adoption of practical measures to ensure climate adaptation.

With High Commissioner Lendon’s appointment, the Head of State anticipates that the two countries will continue to strengthen their relations and advance bilateral cooperation in the field of environmental protection and human development.

“Guyana is appreciative of the support it has received from the Government of Australia, particularly through the: Community and Economic Project: Empowering Indigenous Communities for Sustainable Development in Guyana; and the Direct Aid Program of Australia which provided critical assistance in improving water, sanitation and health in Indigenous communities. This assistance continues to provide food security to over 36,000 Venezuelan migrants who have entered Guyana,” President Granger said.

Meanwhile, High Commissioner Lendon, in his remarks, congratulated Guyana on its remarkable oil discoveries. He said the production of oil and gas would have transformative impact on the country’s economy. With Australia having a wealth of experience in mining and oil and gas production, High Commissioner Lendon said that country is opened to offering assistance.

Prior to his accreditation on Wednesday, High Commissioner Lendon called on Foreign Minister, Dr. Karen Cummings, at her office in Georgetown. Minister Cummings was also present during the accreditation ceremony.

During his tenure, the Australian Diplomat said he intends to work closely with the Government of Guyana to identify future areas of partnership.

Guyana and Australia established diplomatic ties on May 14th, 1973. Their relations are founded on the principles of mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, mutual non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, cooperation for mutual benefit, respect for treaties and international law and the maintenance of international peace and security.