The Guyana Water Incorporated (GWI) in collaboration with several UN agencies will air a special panel discussion on conserving freshwater resources tonight on NCN Channel 11, in observance of World Water Day 2012.
In a press release, GWI said the agencies partnering on this event are UNICEF, PAHO, WWF-Guianas, EPA and FAO. Representatives from these agencies expected to be on the programme are GWI Scientific Services Manager Donna Canterbury, WWF-Guianas Freshwater Resources Officer Aiesha Williams, Senior Environmental Officer at the Environmental Protection Agency Karen Alleyne, Food and Agriculture Organisation Country Representative Dr Lystra Fletcher-Pau, Senior Advisor – Sustainable Development and Environmental Health at PAHO Adrianus Ton Vlugman and Representative from the Ministry of Health Dr Ashok Sukdeo. Discussions will be held under this year’s theme ‘Water and Food Security’ which aims to educate the populace about the importance of conserving freshwater resources.
“We continue to be alarmed by persons dumping garbage into our freshwater,” GWI Public Relations Officer Timothy Austin said, adding that “these include creeks, rivers and canals such as the Lamaha Canal which are used not only to provide our customers country-wide with water, but for irrigation and food production.” The discussion will attempt to address these concerns particularly from the perspective of World Water Day partners the Food and Agriculture Organisation, the EPA and PAHO.
GWI said the programme will be aired on the eve of World Water Day, which is celebrated on March 22and will be highlighted in Guyana with a launch for stakeholders and the media; followed by a symposium for high school students. Minister of Agriculture Dr Leslie Ramsammy is expected to give a special address on the theme followed by a feature address by Minister of Housing and Water Irfaan Ali.
The programme airs tonight at 8.05pm.
