Guyana on the verge of modernization -- PM Hinds
By Shirwin Campbell
Guyana Chronicle
March 23, 2004
Guyana's drive to win World Heritage Sites and Biosphere Reserves selection is expected to be significantly enhanced at the conclusion of a four day United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organization (UNESCO) workshop that started yesterday.
Prime Minister Sam Hinds who declared the workshop open noted Government's commitment to the preservation of Guyana's natural habitat.
"Guyana is on the verge of development and modernization and is ready and willing to participate in and contribute to the Humankind's search for an answer to this concern," he noted.
The Prime Minister noted that Guyana is host to large areas of land still hardly impacted by humankind - potential vast biological resources of national and global significance and Guyana has been a party to the United Nations Convention on Biological since 1994, he stated.
"We in Guyana recognize that natural resources and ecosystems are facing risks, as the wave of modernization proceeds in Guyana, as roadways and other modes of transport open the interior, providing easy access for venturing from the coastland top the hinterland, the traditional home of our indigenous brothers and sisters."
Mr. Hinds added that the impact of human movements and the ways in which resources are consumed are of great concern to the Government as the conservation and sustainable use of these resources is of national and global priority.
The launching which was attended by former President Janet Jagan; Members of the Diplomatic Corps and representatives from the indigenous communities of the hinterland was also graced with the presence of Natarajan Ishwaran, the Deputy Director of World Heritage Centre, UNESCO, Paris.
Mr. Ishwaran, who is here through the kind courtesy of UNESCO, holds some 30 years' experience in the conservation field.
Secretary General for the Guyana National Committee for UNESCO, Ms. Carmen Jarvis, while introducing the Committee's Chairman, Minister Henry Jeffrey, expressed deep appreciation at the positive response.
The workshop is currently underway at Hotel Tower.
Panelist includes Dr. Desiree Fox, Coordinator of Amerindian Research Unit of the University of Guyana; Manager of Conservation International Ms. Sababnto Tokorojo; Dr. Graham Watkins Director General of Iwokrama; and representative from Ministry of Industry Trade and Tourism.