PNCR parliamentarian Winston Murray is of the view that the authorities should look at reorganizing the roles of relevant agencies in their approach to combating climate change as the government cites adaptation as its biggest challenge in addressing the issue.

Murray was at the time addressing a forum organized by the British High Commission and the University of Guyana on Wednesday evening at Regency Suites on Hadfield Street. The forum was held under the theme ’Climate Change; Challenges and Opportunities for Guyana’.

During a panel discussion, which saw inputs from Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud, Professor Lawrence Carrington of the University of Guyana and Major General (ret’d) Joe Singh, among others, Murray during a brief presentation on climate change from an economic standpoint, noted that several agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) and the Office of the President (OP), are tasked with being involved in addressing climate change. He said the government should consider reorganizing the roles of these agencies where addressing the issue is concerned.

He said that the issue should be viewed from a “zero-based” perspective, as if it’s new and he questioned, “What is the best institutional arrangement?” He noted that during discussions by the relevant agencies, quality results may be borne where tensions are likely to be great, at the coordination level.

Murray said he supports the principle that Guyana should be compensated for a large aspect of its forest in its fight against climate change, and according to him avoided deforestation comes with an economic price in forested countries such as Guyana, where activities such as mining, logging, cattle rearing and agriculture in general would be affected. He said the issue should be whether the world is prepared to pay the price for the nation to conserve its forest.

Murray noted that conserving Guyana’s forest makes great economic sense and he applauded the efforts made by the government in its attempt to advocate for economic value of Guyana’s forest to be recognized. However, he said, the “matter is not that simple”.

According to Murray, Guyana’s forests provide employment to thousands of persons, as he noted that the Amerindian population utilize forest related activities in order to earn a living. In this regard, he said persons’ way of life and jobs would be lost and this amounts to a major problem which should be addressed. He asked, “How do we deal with the situation?” According to Murray, at the top of every agenda in addressing climate change should be sustained education and sharing of information, especially to the citizenry and the local communities which are likely to be affected. In this regard he stated that consultation should not be “a three or six-month task, not a fly-in opportunity for a one hour meeting and to portray that as an adequate level of consultation.” Murray urged to government to listen keenly to the populace and “not to give the concept that it has all the answers”. He stated that there are organisations with valid opinions and according to him, what should not be “coming across” is the government operating behind the scenes where addressing the issue is concerned.

As regards utilization of resources allocated to climate change, Murray stated that if Guyana is successful in obtaining funds to address the issue, the principles of equity and probity should be utilized. He elaborated that the forest of Guyana belongs to its citizenry and therefore resources obtained should be utilized to the benefit of all. He stated that the need for probity rests in accountability being utilized where receipt and use of resources are concerned. He stated that he has seen the concept note of the Guyana/Norway agreement and according to him; it does not provide a role for channeling of monies obtained, through the Consolidated Fund.

Meanwhile, the Agriculture Minister told the gathering that total adaptation to climate change would cost the government some US$1 billion as he explained the need for nations to act early in putting measures in place in addressing climate change. He said that the government is actively involved in addressing the issue and according to him the authorities have been consulting with the relevant agencies as well as the affected communities on the issue. He noted that teams are currently engaging residents in Region Nine communities on climate change and its impact on Guyana.

According to Persaud, the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) is being pursued by the government with the intention of obtaining funds for development and while it is being implemented steps are being taken to ensure that economic activities are not scaled down. He said Guyana’s response to climate change will bring benefits to the country’s economy.

UK’s Deputy High Commissioner to Guyana Simon Bond told the gathering that Guyana has made her voice heard on the international scene where climate change is concerned noting that Guyana has a “key voice” in relevant issues.

Wednesday evening’s activity was the last in a series of presentations collaboratively organised by the University of Guyana and the British High Commission. Panelists and representatives of the organisers expressed appreciation to the relevant agencies for their contribution to the discussions/debates undertaken.