–as U.S. Peace Corps volunteers gear up to return to Guyana

THE government has once again placed environmental issues on the front burner, with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the U.S. Peace Corps, for the return of the group’s volunteers to Guyana.

The new MoU will allow Peace Corps volunteers to return to Guyana after a hiatus initiated by the pandemic. Their return will lead to a continuation of the work on environment-related matters.

Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, signed the document on behalf of Vice-President, Bharrat Jagdeo, during a simple ceremony at the Office of the President.
In her remarks, Minister Teixeira said: “Given our nation’s continued emphasis on environmental preservation, it is especially encouraging to know that we will be able to restart efforts championed by Peace Corps volunteers in partnership with communities and schools, to educate the next generation and build capacity in environmental stewardship.”

The minister maintained that the administration remains committed to a low carbon economy through its leading environmental policy, the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), which is currently being strengthened.

A revised LCDS, Minister Teixeira said, is also expected to include the establishment of an International Centre of Excellence for Biological Diversity that will feature novel research and development, as well as educational services.

Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, in her address at the signing, listed key areas of co-operation provided for in the MoU.

Ambassador Lynch said: “Peace Corps can continue to contribute to environmental education and awareness in Guyana with the inclusion of ecological fundamentals, climate science, biodiversity, ecosystem services, global and local environmental issues, as well as how to address them.”

The Peace Corps’ Country Director, Dr. Nadine Rogers, signed the MoU alongside Minister Teixeira and commended the government for its vision and relationship with the group.