Fires & dry season hitting farmers hard; Jagdeo defends carbon credits spending

Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo says the prolonged dry season and wildfires have resulted in numerous challenges for people and farmers are among those hard-hit by the prevailing weather conditions.

And as he urged people to take all the necessary precautions to remain safe amid the dry conditions and frequent fires, the Vice President defended the government’s decision to spend the lion’s share of its carbon credit earnings on climate adaptation projects.

Jagdeo, at a press conference on Thursday, explained that the prolonged dry season is a consequence of the climate crisis. And he said there is “very little” that can be done about it.

Climate adaptation measures, however, refer to those actions that can be taken to prepare for and adjust to the current and projected impacts of the climate crisis such as more intense dry seasons.

Because the climate crisis is expected to intensify, Jagdeo said the government is keen on beefing up the country’s resilience.

“That is why we are spending so much of our resources on adaptation measures,” the Vice President said.

So what is Guyana spending on? And where is it getting the money from?

Well, Guyana is earning revenues from the sale of its carbon credits. Essentially, the country is being paid to keep its vast forests intact. It already has a deal of at least US$750 million with the American oil company, Hess.

As a policy decision, the government is spending 85% of all of its carbon credit funds on national climate adaptation projects. Already, Jagdeo disclosed that the government is building three new Hope canal-like structures that will help with irrigation along the coast. Those structures are modelled after the massive Hope Canal in Region Four which has helped improve irrigation for years.

The remaining 15% of funds go to Indigenous communities all across the country for projects they deem necessary.

As the government plans for future crises, Jagdeo said many of the relevant stakeholders are mobilised now. According to him, the Ministry of Health is aware of the health challenges associated with the raging fires and stands ready to render medical aid.

Furthermore, he said the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) is mobilised to help people on the coast and in the hinterland.

Earlier Thursday, it was reported that the dense smoke emanating from the fire has prompted the evacuation of 38 individuals from Santa Mission and the neighbouring village. For the year so far, Guyana recorded more than 1,200 wildfires.