The Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry Limited (GBTI) yesterday launched its 2009 Calendar which focuses its attention on global warming under the theme ‘save earth save our home’.

The calendar was launched after the annual art competition among children ages 8 to 15 to select pictures to represent the theme. Those children were yesterday awarded for their efforts.
Speaking at the launch at the Water Street site Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud applauded the Bank’s efforts in joining the fight against global warming.
He said that there is need for new focus in this fight and it is hoped that young people will forge new attitudes towards global warming. The minister said that efforts such as GBTI’s will help to heighten people’s awareness on the issue which is important.

Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud (centre) poses with representatives of the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry and the art awardees yesterday.

The minister said that the Government will be investing some $8 million in a public awareness campaign and is encouraging other companies to come on board.
Meanwhile Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GBTI, Radhakrishna Sharma said that the protection of the environment is a task requiring “united and cooperative action of every nation.” The CEO pointed out that this is the second time the calendar has focused its attention on the environment, illustrating the need to bring the issue to the forefront.

Sharma said that there is need for collaborative decision making among all stakeholders including government, businesses, non-governmental organisations, community groups and the general public.

He said too that the drawings the young competitors were being awarded for should “merit serious consideration.”