Dear Editor,
Over 85% of Guyana is covered with tropical forest, and although we have been utilizing this resource for centuries, the maximum export revenue to Guyana from forest utilization has been just over US$60M.
Now that the Government of Guyana (GoG) has come up with a visionary strategy to get significant financial incentives for this resource while keeping it intact, one would expect all Guyanese to embrace and support this strategy wholeheartedly. This is especially so since it was publicly stated that these financial incentives will be channelled to support the urgent development of low carbon economic opportunities for all Guyanese. Unfortunately, it seems that no matter what positive steps are taken by the GoG to further stimulate national development and economic growth, there are always the irrational few who have to be critical even when there is no justification for same. In this context, I refer to two letters that were in the July 10 and July 11 editions of the Stabroek News. The first was captioned ‘Developing a low carbon strategy should wait till after the Copenhagen meeting’ and was written by Michael Maxwell; and the second was entitled, ‘The Low Carbon Development Strategy uses a simplistic formula,’ and was signed by Kofi Dalrymple.
The government in December 2008 presented a document on Guyana’s Avoided Deforestation Initiative. That public document gives in great detail the economic analysis that Maxwell is asking for. Mr Maxwell should also be alerted to the fact that this analysis was done by a world renowned firm working in collaboration with the GoG. The annex of the LCDS document also includes part of the economic analysis which was clearly not read by Mr Maxwell or Mr Dalrymple.
Mr Maxwell is right when he states that there are likely to be radical changes to the existing Kyoto framework. These changes are likely because of countries like Guyana voicing their concerns that any new agreement must include standing forests and avoided deforestation. That is why Guyana has pioneered this model to show the international community at Copenhagen that there are models which are workable and which present a win-win situation. As such, Guyana cannot wait until the Copenhagen discussions are finished before presenting our LCDS model; we have to continue maintaining the momentum. Already we have several major countries like the USA, UK, Norway which are supportive of the LCDS; international organizations such as the World Bank have also hailed it as a visionary strategy which is workable. Guyana therefore needs to continue active promotion of this strategy at Copenhagen.
It has also been made public that this is a draft strategy for discussion and after an initial period of three months, the document would be refined for Copenhagen. For both Mr Maxwell and Mr Dalrymple’s benefit, it was made absolutely clear that there will be no loss of sovereignty, and neither has the GoG entered into any agreement with any country at this stage. This will only come about after the consultation process when all Guyanese would have had the opportunity to comment on the strategy.
It was also made clear that financial incentives will have to be linked to meeting agreed benchmarks, and that a Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system had to be in place.
Mr Maxwell accuses the Minister and the government of being myopic; I suggest that Maxwell is blind not to see the vision that is being put forward for the positive development of the country through the LCDS. Contrary to what he tries to imply, this document was arrived at through a thorough analysis and a strategic planning process. Detractors like Mr Maxwell will however never have anything good to say about any strategy that has the development of Guyana as its objective.
Mr Dalrymple in his tirade misses the point totally that tropical forests are Guyana’s greatest asset in terms of natural resources. The GoG has consistently maintained that the people of Guyana are our greatest asset. If Mr Dalrymple had read the LCDS document carefully or attended any of the consultations, he would have known that the financial incentive mechanisms are yet to be worked out, inclusive of the benefit flows. The GoG has committed to transparency in this respect.
Mr Dalrymple asserts that the strategy does not deal with oil. I wonder which document Mr Dalrymple has been reading since page 5 of the LCDS Frequently Asked Questions makes it clear that Guyana will continue to look for oil resources for the export market. Mr Dalrymple like Mr Maxwell misses the point that this vision is intended to take Guyana down a low carbon development path. Guyana has no intention of becoming a major contributor to carbon emissions, and that is why the LCDS targets the urgent movement to low carbon economic opportunities and the development of hydropower.
For the sake of both gentlemen let me also give the assurance that Guyana has technical experts who attend all the international climate related meetings globally. These experts are supported in country by several committees such as the National Climate Committee, the Climate Unit, etc. Guyana contributes meaningfully at these climate change and climate related meetings and we are also integral members of several international groups. It is thus very disturbing that Mr Dalrymple can make the statement that Guyana accepts the findings reached by outside groups without careful and critical examination. This statement shows his ignorance of what takes place at these international meetings.
The issue of risks associated with the strategy was also clearly articulated. It was made pellucid that if the international community did not provide the kind of financial incentives required to support the low carbon economic alternative opportunities, then the LCDS simply would not work. At this time, we can only hope that the global community would see the benefits to all and provide their support. These financial incentives will also be used to invest in communities and human capital, contrary to Mr Dalrymple’s assertions that the LCDS does not focus on the intellectual development of young people.
China and India are sovereign nations and they have national circumstances that have to be taken into account. Guyana still hopes that both of these nations along with all other would come to an agreeable solution in terms of carbon emission reductions by 2050. However, what Messrs Maxwell and Dalrymple need to realize is that Guyana has chosen to embark on this strategy because not only is it achievable, but it has the potential to bring in significant financial incentives to Guyana whilst maintaining the forests intact. Our unique mix of conditions and low population pressure, along with a stable political and social environment provide us with the enabling environment to make it work.
What we need now is for all Guyanese to support this initiative. I therefore request both of these gentlemen to read the documentation thoroughly. If they need further clarification, or if they have any additional contribution to improve the document, I invite them to send same to the Climate Unit of the Office of the President or to the relevant website.
Yours faithfully,
Erica Smith
Erica Smith’s totally unconvincing letter shows JUST WHAT CAN GO WRONG WHEN COMMITTEES ARE LEFT IN CHARGE OF DECISION-MAKING.
It seems that Smith cannot see the wood for the trees however in a moment of CLARITY in the letter, it is claimed:
…”At this time, we can only hope that the global community would see the benefits to all and provide their support.”…
Guyana is fed up of begging and living on hopes and dreams; in fear of the rich countries whims.
We want those hopes to be turned into MONEY to buy bread and milk.
Smith needs to take good note of blogger Cummins comment on Mr Dalrymple’s letter yesterday.
BOTTOM LINE SMITH: You have a bunch of carrots in one hand. Good. Now you need to get a big stick in the other.
If not then please cancel Guyana’s wasteful carbon polluting flight to Copenhagen because it will all be just more hot air as has happened so very many dreary times in the past.
Not a bad argument for the LCDS.I hope all can recognize that the overall objective of the strategy is “GUYANA SEEKS FINANCIAL REWARDS FOR UTILIZING ITS NATURAL RESOURCES (FOREST)” and there is no one way to achieving this. Like I have said before, there need to be a few credible competing plans that lead to the same objective before the intended audience can take the LCDS or any similar plans seriously .In effect there should be something of a bidding process for use of Guyana’s forest with the strongest bid winning out. Even with its flaws, I am of the view that the LCDS should be given a fair chance to succeed because right now it represents the ONLY plan on the table for Guyana to reap financial rewards from its forest. I would suggest to the critics of the LCDS that they come up with their alternatives because whoever wins the “idea war” is irrelevant at this stage as long as Guyana and its people win the economic war by making its forest resources available for economic use.
Sounds like Erica Smith is another Prem Misir avatar. The main problem of the Low Development Carbon Strategy is that is does not put the people of Guyana first.
you gat to break it down this is Prem Misir re-incarnated…..
Hi, is Erica, Ms Daly’s sister?!
LOL – good one Paul!
What names are next? Let’s be helpful and suggest some for the Ghost-writers Club (GC) headquartered at Guyana Chronicle (GC) – Barbara Jones, Melissa John, Susanne Reid, Janet Green – need we go on? Now I ask, why the need to seek legitimacy from Black sounding names? You mean this great self-proclaimed racially encompassing PPP regime cannot find one real, reputable Black person to write on their behalf?
Erica, I read only the first two paragraphs of your letter, but must leave to go to work. I will complete, so expect more. What I have to say now is that the opening of your letter is based on the wrong premise.
Our foresty resourse is under utilised because of our political ideology for the last 40 years. It is still underutilised because of the same ideology. This LCDS thing is a means to and end. Got to run . Expect more.
more jagdeo propaganda this is.!!!! Next!
Please let us not leave Guyana hehind.
The ‘cap and trade’ system that was established by the Kyoto protocol will require all industrialized nations to limit their carbon emissions.
A ‘Carbon Tax’ will be imposed on these countries that exceed their limit.
The countries that exceed their limits will have an option to purchase ‘Carbon Credits’ from countries that is under the cap.
Carbon trading is the future. It is predicted to reach $3 trillion by the year 2010. Carbon is expected to be the largest non-financial commodity in the world (10 trillion yr).
After 1997 US refusal to join the cap and trade system, the Obama administration is getting on board in Copenhagen. Why? $10 trillion a year commodity. Europe is taking full advantage. Let us not leave Guyana behind.
Guyana is blessed with many resources. The rainforest may be Guyana’s greatest asset yet and it may be the one resource that can save us all. Let us think this through before we inject backdam politics. This is an ethical and humanitarian effort as well.
We must by all means preserve our rainforest and Guyana is poised to reap great financial rewards.
GT, this what people hope it will be. There is a halt to that thinking since the beginning of the century. Obama is moving forward, but he must get BRAZIL,CHINA,INDIA on board. Chances are that Obama will fail with this initiave. I love Obama, but I fear for him on this cap and trade. He is behind the time on this one. See my other blog
If you wait for everyone else to ‘get on board’ you will miss the bus Greg.
LCDS ,,, is an idea whose time has come ,, those who is in concert to fight this “manibus pedibusque” need to stop seeing the trees and know there is a forest “just sitting there” !… “ideas ? they control the world” ! “great ideas come when the world needs them… they surround the world’s ignorance and press for admission” …. “in these times we fight for ideas and newspapers are our fortresses” !!!….
all of the letters ,, and it’s authors ,, and the comments left here ,,by all should realise as intelligent[?] adults that ithey r engaging in premature speculation !
the money to be spent by the G8 an G20 on “low carbon” is money that was held from circulation[reserve] mostly in europe ,, and this ultimatley helped to fuel de planetary plunge on the economic scale !
LCDS is just 1 way to have this money back in circulation ! all or most of the swiss banks #ed accounts have been made open to all govts on de planet ,, in america it’s FORT KNOX ! in europe it’s the “swiss banks” !!!!! go figure !….
OK Erika, I was able to go through your letter. I find it is merely an attack on those of us who do not see the wisdom of the LCDS. Cummins is also seeing the LCDS as a viable option for wealth generation from our “underutilised forest”, in the absense of no other plan put forward to date. My take is that I would not consider this option becase #1 it grossly under values the true potential of the forest and #2 it is a reality based on a pipe dream.
I personally know a number of Guyanese who are willing to put their hard earned dollars into Guyana, but for the instability, coruption, crime, etc. That has to be fixed first. The LCDS, a proposal for the future, will not help now.
It is obvious that the reality of the global warming debate and the crabon credits posibilities are trickling down to Guyana. Even president Obama don’t seem to get it yet. The truth is that the objectives of Kyoto and the facts the policies are based on have vanished or are vanishing.
What can we learn for the happenings in Italy recently? The Kyoto initiative was placed on hold. The big gunners are waiting until later in the year to decide where they are going and what they are going to do, even with the impressive Obama making his case. The Kyoto initiative was in place for many years. If these countries were serious there would be no need to wait.
Bottom line, they are reviewing scientific research which are saying that global warming trends have subsided since the beginning of the century. Australia, New Zealand is no more on board. For Brazil, China and India it is no way.
Without Obama, the USA has no intention to hold up the growth of capitalism. How many terms do you think he will have? The republicans will get back in sometime and this theory will be gone.
The Chinese and Indian position is that they will not hold up their development to satisfy global warming. They are now developing countries. Do you think that those governments can tell the millions of Chinese and Indians, who want to drive motor cars and live a better life to hold up on their ambitions so that Guyana can get some carbon credits?
Let me break it down like this. You know what the Brazilians, Chinese, Indians, etc. are saying. American already knows what it is like to me rich. They can slow down now and have good memories. (Global warming initiatives will slow down growth)The Chinese, Indians don’t want to imagine what it is like to be rich. They want to live it first. Guyana has a long wait.
I may have to write a letter to better clarify my position. In reality and in reference to Cummins and Erica, the best way to get investors to utilise our forest to generate the growth that Guyana desperately needs is to truly encourage private venture with government being only a facilitator.
In Africa. Obama in lambasing the dictators and totaliterian regimes around the world, made mention of the negative impacts on a country’s development. A lack of good governance, free press, a professional police force and bribery. Check this out Erica and advise the GOG to consider Obama’s assertions.
“even Pres Obama don’t seem to get it yet” an u iz nat 1 of his advisors ! u like de dog lookin fuh a bone ,, look “get outta here”
de President en get it yet only u ! what a leap ! look gwan suh wid mombo-jumbo ,,,,, tuhmarow ah gon call de “white house” an get an appointment fuh yuh to duh a interview fuh de job of chief advisor to the His Excellency President Obama ,,, the most “important man on the 3rd rock from the sun” caz onli u “get it” !….
I may have to disagree on the pipe dream suggestion.
According to the World Bank’s May 2009 on carbon credit trading systems, a total of more than $64 billion in allowances was traded in 2007, and trading more than doubled in 2008 to over $126 billion. Of the 2008 total, nearly $92 billion was traded on the EU market, about $7 billion was for UN projects, $183 million was on the New South Wales exchange, $309 million was on the Chicago Climate Exchange.
Notice how all the nations not on board are the biggest polluters?
After Copenhagen, I expect firm rules and regulations to govern the newly ratified protocols. I also expect an international organization to oversee it, impose trade restrictions on countries that do not comply.
Global warming IS real. Scientific facts cannot be disputed. Ask the inhabitants of the south Pacific islands which are now 3 feet underwater. Where have all the glaciers gone? The list goes on and on……
You are still in a dream NOT-FROM-GT. You are reading socialist propaganda. In all seriousness, do you want to tell me that 100 years of gas engines can destroy a world, billion years in existance? The Global warming theory is a new socialist scheme to maintain government control on the people. The way the carbon credits system works is to maintain control. THe system controls the type of vehicle you drive, how far you can travel, control control control.
I am not saying that the carbon credits systen is not in place already because here in America we know that it is Al Gore’s biggest scam yet. He polutes more than 100 times more than the average American.
These people who advocate this nonsense is not abiding by it. Tell Al Gore to give up some of his aircrafts. Of course he thinks that he can polute and afford to pay for his foot prints. Bottom line he is not changing his life style.
My problem is that Guyana is trying to use this as a strategy for development instead of letting entrupenures, the people, generate development. Taking your quote, “Notice how all the nations not on board are the biggest polluters?”. Three things.
#1 As I stated in my earlier blog, you won’t get the developed countries to go ahead with these regulations. They will just keep appeasing the debate.
#2 Note the countries on board, all socialists. You say that global warming is real. Widen your scope on info. Your friends are hiding the commanding review of some scientists. Do your home work. Right now your friends are in a panic. Another 2 years and we will see where this goes.
#3 Poluting does not mean destroring the planet it is related to destroving the environment. This can be controled in new development in Guyana.
I am a pratriotic Guyanese. I do not want to see Guyana bearly strive( this will be good for the politicians) I want to see Guyana truly develop and every Guyanese attainn their true potential. This LCDS system is phony. How can a hand out make the average Guyanese step out of poverty.
I guess we can debate wether Global warming is the ‘greatest hoax ever perpetrated on mankind’ without any resolution.
Last word:
The human population growth of the last century.
It required only 40 years after 1950 for the population to double from 2.5 billion to 5 billion. This doubling time is less than the average human lifetime. The world population passed 6 billion just before the end of the 20th century. Present estimates are for the population to reach 8-12 billion before the end of the 21st century. More than 10,000 new people enter the world each hour, a rate of 3 per second!
The earth cannot sustain this kind of growth. Resources are dwindling. Rivers are drying up. How much more proof do you need.
We have to accept this problem before we can move on.
PS:
If you have a couple of hours please watch this documentary. It may provide some meaningful insight.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqxENMKaeCU
or rent a copy at your favorite blockbuster.
The low cow dung strategy is what this is…………only Jagdeo can come up with such a genius plan. Notice he is the only one wid dis big strategy as the main govt focus in all of south america?