U.S restates support for Guyana’s LCDS as Pres. Ali hails decision to rejoin climate accord

Guyana and the United States of America (U.S.A) have lauded each other for the clear direction the two states have taken as part of the global climate change action.

Commendations were exchanged as President Irfaan Ali and other top officials of his government joined United States Ambassador, Sarah-Ann Lynch, and embassy officials at her residence on Wednesday night to commemorate July 4th, the U.S Independence Anniversary.

In a speech that preceded that of President Ali, Ambassador Lynch congratulated the government’s clear leadership and said it was pleasing that they have not lost sight of what needs to be done to address climate change.

To this end, she said the United States stands ready to assist Guyana in finalising its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) ahead of the 26th UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow later this year.

The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C)’s flagship low carbon emission initiative, launched in 2009, was placed back on the table when the party returned to government in August 2020 and is being refitted now that Guyana has become an oil-producing nation.

It is aimed at placing Guyana’s economy on low carbon, sustainable development trajectory, while simultaneously combating climate change. Dr. Ali delivered the feature address at the independence anniversary celebration and also spoke to the issue of climate change.

He said the responsibility to address climate change required partnership and as a consequence, he was thankful for the United States’ support in this regard.

Dr. Ali said Guyana was happy for the support in combating and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change and also heaped praised on President Joe Biden’s decision to rejoin the Paris climate agreement, the largest international effort to curb global warming.

The U.S. officially withdrew from the accord to limit climate-warming greenhouse gas emissions late last year, after President Donald Trump began the process in 2017.

According to Dr. Ali, the plans adumbrated in the rejoin efforts are bold.

But Dr. Ali has also recognised the support of the United States to ensure democracy is preserved in Guyana and the country’s territorial integrity remains intact.

According to President Ali, “Guyana looks forward to working closely with the Government of the United States, to build a more resilient and sustainable post-COVID-19 future.”

Dr. Ali described the relationship between Guyana and the US as strong and valuable and pointed to greater partnerships between the two nations moving forward.

“That is what Guyana and the United States share, a strong, healthy, respectful, and valuable relationship,” he said.

Credit was also given to the US Ambassador for her veracity and impartiality.

“We must celebrate the relationship between the United States Embassy here in Guyana led so well by Ambassador Sarah Ann-Lynch and the Government and people of Guyana. We want to thank you for your strong, resilient and faithful leadership…one in which you have lead with great integrity.”

The President was joined by his wife, First Lady, Mrs. Arya Ali; Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips and Vice President, Dr Bharrat Jagdeo, along with other government officials.