Dear Editor,
Ms Caroline Anstey, the World Bank Country Director for the Caribbean is quoted as saying “The consequences of Climate Change in the Caribbean nations like Guyana will impose a heavy burden on the economies of the region, in particular on the poor.”
Earlier this year I submitted a concept paper to Government relating to the establishment of Guyana as the hemispheric leader on Climate Change and Global Warming.
The concept paper suggested that Guyana can set aside one day each year to host a massive international awareness event which I now rename Greenheart Day Guyana (GHDG). The purpose of the event will be to bring together, in a relaxed and informal environment, the world’s most influential people on Climate Change and Global Warming. This will include leading politicians, Caribbean Heads of State, popular singers, musicians, actors, talk show hosts, religious leaders, industrialists, business leaders, climate-change royalty, the international media and others.
Greenheart Day could be a 3-day event and feature:
Thought-provoking and challenging opening addresses by persons like Al Gore and Prince Charles.
– talks by leading world figures on the emergency of
Global Warming interspersed with
– musical performances by leading artistes and poetry
read by leading poets, actors and actresses
– Walks and gatherings in the rainforest and ‘groundings’ with the Indigenous communities
All music, poetry, presentations and speeches will have a common theme –
Global Warming
I got a response from government that it is pursuing a similar idea.
In the concept paper I outlined the following benefits for Guyana which still hold good:
– a central role in moving public opinion worldwide
to support bold action in confronting and
mitigating against Global Warming
– international exposure for Guyana as an eco-
tourist destination
– showcasing Guyana’s forests as part of the lungs
of the earth
– revenue for local businesses particularly those involved in nature tourism, hospitality, hotel/guest house/accommodation, transport on land, sea and air, restaurants and bars, craft producers etc.
– opportunities for local and Caribbean
entertainers to showcase their talents
– revenue for government and increased forest earnings
– opportunities to promote Foreign Direct and Diaspora investment in Guyana.
– Global recognition for Guyana as an eco-leader
– Putting the stadium to productive and profitable use
– Forging partnerships between Research centres in Guyana and abroad.
Properly planned and promoted, annual Greenheart Day could be an all-round winner for Guyana and the region. Perhaps government could float the idea at this week’s Commonwealth Finance Ministers Meeting (CFMM). After all Guyana is not only part of the earth’s lungs but also has a green heart.
Yours faithfully,
F. Hamley Case
