WHEN Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo served as President of Guyana, the country became a global poster model for sustainable development and preservation of the natural environment. Even with oil and gas now a big part of the national equation, the Guyana Government emphasises its focus on development with a humane face, and with the natural ecosystem uppermost in State consideration of projects, plans and programmes. This vision of a Guyana that is a model on the world stage for sustainable development is a national one, that spans the length and breadth and gamut of the land. Every level of government would want to get on board and plan its projects with the natural environment the first and most important consideration, following the example of Central Government. Two stories in the media of recent illustrate the urgency of this message, that Guyana embodies a national vision which makes it one of the most forward-thinking nation on earth today, aligning with the Paris Accord and with the global 21st century agenda for mankind co-existing in harmony with nature.

Any Guyanese who visits Mabaruma would adore the magnificent lay of the land, the pure natural wonder of its pristine beauty, verdant, fresh, alive, organic, full of natural energy. Lining the main road, where school children walk to and from school with happy steps and chatter and play, are giant, tall, flourishing trees, running parallel to each other in a marching straight line, elegant and graceful on the land, a superb sight to behold. These trees look their age. Their trunks are gnarled with their ancient history. A visitor learns quickly from locals that these are century-old rubber trees, and that fact brings a sense of awe to Mabaruma, with this story of its rubber trees dominating the main thoroughfare of the town. Anywhere in the world, these century-old rubber trees would be a natural wonder, a cherished landmark, a showcase of the beauty of the land.

Yet, the world heard that local officials made a decision to cut these trees down, to make way for a paved roadway. Central Government had to step in to halt the exercise, with Minister Dharamlall making the right decision. While it is understandable that the town wants to install its own paved road, and to make room for further socioeconomic development, one is at a loss that the regional and municipal officials who make these decisions would want to rid the land of this tremendous asset, this global goodwill, these weathered trees. Not only could these trees develop a cool tourism package for the town were they preserved and sustained, but they could form a uniqueness to the municipality and the region that could not be found anywhere else in the world. One wonders if the regional authorities and town council consulted with a sustainability expert, or even with Central Government, before taking such a drastic measure. Appreciating the fact that Mabaruma would want a paved roadway and other development projects as Guyana advances on its progress and prosperity, one feels certain that a roadway could be installed with these tress sustained and the natural environment remaining undisturbed.

Consulting an expert would easily develop workable options. The concept of sustainable development means co-existence of progress with the natural environment, with development projects that make life easier for residents, within the ambit of preserving the natural ecosystem. In today’s world, sustainable development is about harmony between nature and socioeconomic progress. Clearing trees to make way for a necessary road is understandable, except if those trees are century-old ancient rubber trees that are rare and a national heritage, a treasure of the Guyanese soul. People on social media came out in shock and dismay with the decision to cut the tress down, and thankfully good sense prevailed to preserve this natural wonder of Guyana, for Mabaruma’s gnarled, tall, giant rubber trees are one of Guyana’s natural wonder, and one feels sure that one day the world would flock to the town to enjoy the miraculous sight. These trees embody part of the nation’s heritage and history and high-point.

Then, parallel to this story of the distressed Mabaruma rubber trees, a news item broke in Canada of macaws and parrots and wildlife originating from the forests and jungle of Guyana, intercepted on a cargo flight that in transit Canada bound for Japan, with dead and neglected birds. Canadian authorities found 50 live exotic birds on the plane, originating from a wildlife exporter in Guyana, and Guyana is named in the news piece. “The entire shipment of these birds from Guyana through Canada to Tokyo appears to have taken over 40 hours, which is an incredible, heartbreakingly long amount of time to keep sensitive birds like these in transit,” the CTV news quoted Animal Justice executive director, Camille Labchuk, as saying.

For a country that positions itself to be in the forefront of global sustainable development, and a world leader in matters of the natural environment, Guyana would be well served were the relevant private sector operators such as wildlife exporters, and local officials and public service, to be sensitised to the vision of a Guyana that is forward-thinking, progressive, a global environmental leader, and that deliberately practices a national vision of humane and sustainable progress.
The world knows of Vice-President Jagdeo’s passion for the natural environment, and his global advocacy for sustainable progress. This idea of a Guyana that is environmentally forward-thinking is an intangible asset for Guyana that generates enormous goodwill and international favour. At every level of the society, Guyanese would do well to recognise and practice its tenets with fervour, enthusiasm, and a deep sense of purpose for Guyana to be a standout natural wonder to the world.