LCDS consultation: Region 8 residents call for better internet & funds for land recovery

Residents of Region Eight have asked that the 2030 Low Carbon Development Strategy fund better internet connectivity in the region, assist in the recovery of lands from mining and make a greater contribution to the communities protecting the forest.

The countrywide consultation on the draft document is currently ongoing with the most recent meeting being in Kato, Region Eight. One resident, Ms. Sheriann Bulkaran proposed that internet connectivity be given priority on the agenda as accessing information in the village is challenging. She also asked for emphasis to be placed on educational opportunities for the surrounding villages of the north Pakaraimas.

Another resident, Keemo Robinson expressed concerns about the possible impacts of the planned Amaila Falls Hydropower project on plants and wildlife in the immediate surroundings.

A resident in the town of Mahdia Pastor Skeete Aubrey called for more funds to be diverted to the communities which depend on the forest. He said this should be done since it is these residents who are entrusted with protecting the forest.

A dredge owner who requested that his name not be published, called for subsidies to aid in the recovery of land from mining activities. The resident noted that the cost to recover the land is too expensive for small miners. He suggested that an incentive be paid as compensation by every dredge owner.

The LCDS 2030 aims to not only build on the foundation of the LCDS 2009-2015 but to expand on those bases. LCDS 2030 will create a new low-carbon economy in Guyana by establishing incentives and producing a new model of global development with sustainability at its core.