Regional Consultations on Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy concluded last week with the final consultation being held in Kato, Region 8. There have been thirty-three (33) consultations in total spanning across all the ten (10) Regions of Guyana over a time frame of six (6) months (April – September). Teams of experts from the Government of Guyana’s Department of Environment and United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment), with assistance from the World Wildlife Fund Guianas (WWF), carried out the consultations.
Meetings were held in the following cluster areas: Aishalton, Annai, Anna Regina, Bartica, Belladrum, Bush Lot, Charity, Corriverton, Diamond, Georgetown, Kamarang, Karasabai, Kato, KlienPouderoyen, Kwakwani, Lethem, Linden, Mabaruma, Mahaicony, Mahdia, Matthew’s Ridge, Moraikobe, Moruca, New Amsterdam, Orealla, Parika, Port Kaituma, Rose Hall, Shulinab, Soesdyke, St. Cuthberts and #8 Village.
The main objectives of these consultations were to raise awareness of Guyana’s Green State Development Strategy and to encourage meaningful participation from communities by identifying and prioritising the needs and expectations they have for their region. Participants were asked to share their ideas and vision for how they desire development in Guyana over the next twenty (20) years.
The inputs from these consultations will influence and guide the final Strategy submission.
Some of the main priorities highlighted in both hinterland and coastal consultations were:
Infrequent solid waste management; Inadequacy of infrastructure; Concerns regarding health and education services and lack of suitable facilities; Domestic violence and Substance abuse (alcohol, drugs etc.)
The Green State Development Strategy is Guyana’s national development plan that sets out investment priorities for economic and social development over the next 20 years. It is based on the principles of a ‘green economy’ which are to improve standards of living, ensure social equity and reduce reliance on resource-intensive sectors and open new and sustainable income opportunities for Guyanese citizens.
The Green State Development Strategy will focus on guiding Guyana along a path of development that delivers a clean and healthy environment that provides opportunities to earn a decent wage and enjoy standards of living that promote happy, healthy and wholesome individuals, families and communities.