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LOW CARBON DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
Transforming Guyana’s Economy While Combating Climate Change
SUB-NATIONAL OUTREACH – Kato, REGION 8
Kato Primary School
25 August, 2014
Introduction
In June 2009 the Government of Guyana (GoG) launched its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS),
which aims to transform Guyana’s economy on to a low carbon, sustainable development trajectory,
while simultaneously combating climate change. The LCDS aims to protect and maintain the forests in an
effort to reduce global carbon emissions and at the same time attract payments from developed countries
for the climate services that the forests provide to the world; payments are invested to foster growth and
development along a low carbon emissions path.
In November 2009, Guyana and Norway signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in which
Norway committed to providing financial support of up to US$250 million by 2015 for results achieved
by Guyana in limiting emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, to support the
implementation of Guyana’s LCDS. Under the MOU, contributions from Norway are channelled through
the multi-contributor Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF), established in October 2010 for which the
World Bank is Trustee, towards priority projects identified in the LCDS.
Guyana’s LCDS has made significant progress since its 2009 launch. The LCDS is now in the
implementation phase. Following three successive years of performance in accordance with the Norway
MoU and the Joint Concept Note (JCN) which sets out the framework for taking the Guyana-Norway cooperation forward, Guyana has met the requirements for performance‐based payments to the tune of
US$115M. These funds are being invested in the LCDS projects.
The JCN stipulates that the continuation of result-based financial support from Norway to Guyana will
depend on publicly observable progress on forest governance. The JCN identifies ‘Indicators of Enabling
Activities’ where performance in enabling activities will be measured against progress on five key
categories of activities. Two such categories relate to the ‘Continuous multi-stakeholder consultation
process’ and ‘the rights of indigenous peoples and other local forest communities as regards REDD-plus’.
The GoG is committed to fully inform and engage with stakeholders across Guyana in the decision making
for matters affecting their well-being.
As a result, in this first phase, the Hinterland outreach programme targets Regions 1, 7, 8 and 9 as part of
the Office of Climate Change (OCC) wider outreach programme as described in the Annual Stakeholder
Awareness and Engagement Plan 2013. This component directly relates to the performance indicators,
Continuous Multi-Stakeholder Consultation Process and The Rights of Indigenous Peoples and Other
Local Forest Communities as Regards REDD+, as outlined in the Revised JCN.
A similar approach to the national outreach and awareness sessions conducted in 2009 is being adopted
by the OCC for this Hinterland outreach programme. The OCC is spearheading the planning of these
sessions in collaboration with the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs (MoAA).
The main objectives of this outreach session are:
1. To update the public and in particular Amerindian Villages on key issues related to climate change
and LCDS implementation;
2. To provide a systematic and transparent process of multi-stakeholder engagement enabling the
participation of all potentially affected and interested stakeholders in the LCDS process; and
3. To support the overall goals and objectives of Guyana’s LCDS.
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This outreach session was held in Kato, Region 8. It brought together stakeholders from a number of
communities, inclusive of Toshaos, Councillors, students and residents and included representatives from
communities such as Paramakatoi, Kato Village, Kopinang Village, Maik-Wak, Kurukabaru, Moraikobai,
Kaibarupai Village, Taruka Village, Monkey Mountain, Chiung Mouth, Kanapang Village, Kamana Village,
Luseneng Village and Bamboo Creek.
This report captures the discussions made at the session, the key issues identified and any suggestions
and/or recommendations emanating from the discussions. There were 87 registered participants at the
Kato outreach session. The complete list of representatives is included in Appendix A.
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GUYANA LOW-CARBON
DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
Transforming Guyana’s Economy While Combating Climate Change
National Stakeholder Outreach and Awareness 2014 – Region 8
Kato Primary School
25 August 2014
PROGRAMME
10:00
Registration
10:30
Call to Order by Chairperson (Regional Chairman)
10:40
National Pledge & Prayer
10:50
Welcome by Regional Chairman
11:00
Introductions (Outreach Team and Representatives of Villages)
11:30
Brief Remarks:
Mr Derrick John, NTC Chair & MSSC Member
Mr Ashton Simon, NADF & MSSC Member
11:50
Presentation:
Ms Gitanjali Chandarpal, Head, Office of Climate Change
12:10
Presentation: Minister Pauline Sukhai, Minister of Amerindian Affairs
12:30
Open Discussion
13:45
Closing Remarks: Chairperson
LUNCH
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Outreach Session
Outreach Team
The members of the Outreach Team were:
 Honourable Minister Pauline Sukhai
 Ms Gitanjali Chandarpal
 Ms Shereeda Yusuf
 Ms Monique Jones
 Mr Narendra Rajcoomar
 Mr Navindra Persaud
 Mr Derrick John
 Mr Ashton Simon
Minister, Ministry of Amerindian Affairs
Head, Office of Climate Change
Technical Officer, Office of Climate Change
Administrative Officer, Office of Climate Change
IT Officer, Office of Climate Change
Finance Officer, Project Management Office
Chair NTC & MSSC Member
Representative NADF & MSSC Member
Summary of the Presentations
This session was chaired by Mr Shameer Arjun, Assistant Regional Education Officer of Region 8 and the
presenters were: (i) Hon. Minister Sukhai; (ii) Ms Chandarpal; (iii) Mr John; and (iv) Mr Simon
Participants were welcomed to the outreach session. Presenters discussed the issue of climate change;
the importance of climate change actions, and the critical role Guyana’s LCDS plays in the fight against
climate change.
Mr Derrick John notified participants that the LCDS needs support from villages. LCDS information is
constantly being shared to village leaders. It is the task of the leaders to share the information provided
to villagers. The GoG should not be blamed for villagers lacking information. The outreach session is one
initiative that the GoG has undertaken to ensure that people are updated on the LCDS and its projects.
Mr Ashton Simon remarked that some groups have been undermining the LCDS, which incorporates the
best practices of Amerindians. Leaders should dispel any misunderstanding. He indicated that the young
will soon be in leadership positions and that these youngsters should be nurtured. The LCDS hinges on all
types of activities and the management styles of youths for these activities should be encouraged.
Ms Gitanjali Chandarpal informed participants of climate change, its impacts and effects. She emphasised
the need for world leaders to take action in the fight against climate change and indicated that there are
two major ways by which this can be done, that is, adaptation and mitigation. Ms Chandarpal stated that
the LCDS seeks to use Guyana’s forests as a means to fight climate change. Further, the Strategy balances
development and addresses the issues of climate change. The LCDS will not stop mining or forestry
activities but will encourage their usage sustainably. In 2009, the LCDS was in the development stage and
now in 2014, it is being implemented. Guyana has received payments for keeping its forests standing
through a bilateral agreement with Norway. The payments are based on performance and are being used
for national development through projects. There is a Joint Concept Note that guides the process by
which payments are made. It was agreed that up to USD 250 million can be earned from this bilateral
agreement by 2015. So far, Guyana has received USD 115 million. These monies are being spent on
developmental projects such as Institutional Strengthening, Micro Small Enterprise Development, an
Amerindian Development Fund, Amerindian Land Titling, an International Biodiversity Research Centre
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and the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project. Other projects are being developed under the LCDS and will
soon be implemented.
The Honourable Minister Pauline Sukhai addressed participants on the critical role Indigenous Peoples
(IP) play in the LCDS. She indicated that participation of the IP is important to the LCDS. But, there have
been misconceptions that the Strategy is only geared for IP since the LCDS promotes the techniques used
by Amerindians who have always acknowledged the sustainable utilisation of the forests.
The LCDS is a developmental strategy used for the benefit of all Guyanese. It does not discriminate. The
coast-landers and rural population are currently benefitting from the LCDS through several initiatives
such as the Cunha Canal Rehabilitation project and the Micro and Small Enterprise Development project.
Amerindians are receiving additional benefits from the Amerindian Development Fund where projects
are being implemented based on Community Development Plans (CDPs). The CDPs have been criticised
but they were developed by villages. A bottom-up approach was used. So far, 26 villages have received
funding to implement their CDPs.
Further, the LCDS does not discourage mining or forestry activities. Complaints about mining activities
within and near villages need to be addressed if they are not permitted. Villagers were encouraged to
contact the Ministry for any queries or clarifications they may have regarding these issues.
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Key Issues Identified by Participants at the Session
Name
Community
QUESTIONS/COMMENTS
Responses
(Minister Pauline Sukhai, Ms Gitanjali Chandarpal,
Mr Navindra Persaud)
Unknown
Kato
Indicated that a resident stated that he thinks that the
APA is trying to trap Amerindians.
The APA was trying to clamp Amerindians down, and he
had expressed his views to Mr. Maxwell Andrew when
he was trying to recruit him to be a part of the APA.
He concluded by saying that the APA is not for him.
Mr Maxwell
Andrew
Mr Christopher
Samuels
Kato
Rebutted by saying that he had never followed the APA.
He was not part of forming the current administration.
Paramakatoi
Stated his concerns regarding the extension of
Paramakatoi’s land title.
The community held a meeting and invited members
from surrounding communities to attend. It was stated
that if Paramakatoi accepts demarcation of land then
they would not be able to extend the land because space
will not be available.
The issue was not a complaint against Mr Maxwell but
rather when he was a Toshao. The APA was trying to
create problems. It was a misunderstanding with how the
statement was made.
The current GoG has committed to ensuring that the
Amerindian population has a secure tenure for their
lands.
In less than two years, GoG has titled twenty four (24)
villages that were not mentioned in the Lands
Commission Report. It is a big step for any Government to
provide land security.
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Name
Community
QUESTIONS/COMMENTS
Responses
(Minister Pauline Sukhai, Ms Gitanjali Chandarpal,
Mr Navindra Persaud)
Paramakatoi was titled since 1976 and the disagreement
with the demarcation process does not place them in the
best position.
If someone goes and applies for land from the State, the
application is first considered by the Guyana Lands and
Survey Commission (GL&SC). It then goes to GoG for
ratification and is returned to the GL&SC for approval.
Then the next step is to demarcate based on that
description of the land.
Amerindians should think about securing their futures
and not subjecting themselves to the vagaries of others.
Paramakatoi does not want to demarcate because it
believes if it does it will not have lands to extend later.
There was a case in this area where villages were
convinced that if they demarcate, they will not be able to
extend their boundaries. However, some villages decided
to demarcate and apply for more lands whereas others
like Paramakatoi were left without any lands.
If Paramakatoi was granted title for its land, the safest
thing to do is to demarcate to find out where the
boundaries of the lands are so that they can have evidence
of these boundaries.
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Name
Community
QUESTIONS/COMMENTS
Responses
(Minister Pauline Sukhai, Ms Gitanjali Chandarpal,
Mr Navindra Persaud)
Leaders should not be caught up with stories and should
do what is right for their people and safeguard their
future.
There are funds currently available for demarcation and
these should be utilised.
Unknown
Paramakatoi
Stated her disappointment on the time spent by the
visiting team with participants.
Minister explained to the resident the limitations with the
transportation system that the team has to utilise.
Unknown
Monkey
Mountain
1. Stated that the Monkey Mountain village has been
demarcated and had applied for an extension, and as
such he questioned if another application has to be
made and,
1. Monkey Mountain’s extension was listed in the LCDS
to be addressed in year two (2), that is in 2015 when
investigations will be conducted, with respect to the
area that was applied for. Monies have also been
allocated for consultations for the investigations for
the titling and for the demarcation.
2. Queries were made on how solar panels for the
village can be accessed.
2. Secondly, the Office of the Prime Minister has asked
the Amerindian Ministry to help with the logistics to
deliver solar panels to areas that have not received
any of them to allow distribution in the fastest
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Name
Community
Responses
QUESTIONS/COMMENTS
(Minister Pauline Sukhai, Ms Gitanjali Chandarpal,
Mr Navindra Persaud)
possible time.
Unknown
Taruka
Noel Federicks
Kato
Leonus Peters
Kurukabaru
1. Concerns were made on the distribution of LCDS
awareness materials (books, posters etc.) in
languages that are only understood by some.
Suggestion was made to train members of the
villages to better understand the LCDS.
2. There is confusion on demarcating boundaries of
titled lands. The village is not satisfied with the
progress on the matter.
Enquiry was made on why the extension has been
revoked.
1. Under the LCDS Outreach project there will be more
tailored and more in depth sessions with various
communities
2. GL&SC is well aware of Monkey Mountain’s
demarcation and has updated the Ministry on the
situation. The Minister is assured that the situation
will be addressed to the satisfaction of all parties.
1. Enquiry on the status of the demarcation and
certificate of title for the village was made.
2. There have been incidences where persons are
coming into villages and cutting trees without
permission.
1. The Certificate of Title was completed.
Extension was applied for and the process was followed.
His Excellency has received the map to verify with the
surveyors whether the points were accurate. The matter
was brought back to the village. Suggestion was made for
the Toshao to sit with the previous Council to clarify what
was done previously.
The GoG did not take away the land.
2. The Village Council is responsible for granting access
to persons to cut trees within the village.
Suggestion was made for the Toshao to speak to the
Ministry of Education (MoE) who has the project and
is cutting the trees in the village. The MoE is not
allowed to do so unless they have permission and/or
is paying for cutting the trees.
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Name
Community
QUESTIONS/COMMENTS
Responses
(Minister Pauline Sukhai, Ms Gitanjali Chandarpal,
Mr Navindra Persaud)
Derrick Williams
Kamana
-
Clarification on the LCDS is needed. The books are
confusing because it is written in very technical
language and in not in the native language of many
persons here. Suggestion is made for training
sessions to be held in villages for persons to
understand the LCDS.
Mention was made of the LCDS Awareness and Outreach
Programme that is being undertaken.
-
CDP proposals were submitted since 2010 and
finance is flowing from Norway for this. Enquiry was
made on the implementation schedules for these
CDPs, in particular when the financing will become
available.
The process for accessing the money to fund the CDPs is
long. The UN Assistant Secretary General was notified that
the process for Guyana’s accessing money for CDPs is
extremely long. Guyana was advised to ensure that there
is proper involvement of civil society.
Guyana is required to involve every person (nationally
and internationally) in this matter. The process is long but
Guyana is following procedure because of its Partner
Entities requirements.
-
Application for extension was made for a titled and
demarcated land but there was an issue. A letter was
written and sent to the MoAA regarding this matter.
Persons from Venezuela are cutting down trees
because they are aware of the land not being owned.
Efforts were made to curb these activities but the
The first phase of the project is to implement 27 CDPs. The
next phase has already been started so more projects will
be funded but it will take time since the procedure for
spending the money is stringent.
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Name
Community
Responses
QUESTIONS/COMMENTS
(Minister Pauline Sukhai, Ms Gitanjali Chandarpal,
Mr Navindra Persaud)
persons are not listening. Therefore, it is requested
that the extension of the land needs to be granted
soon.
Walter Edwins
Kopinang
Queries were made on the distribution of solar panels to
power the the laptops from the One Laptop per Family
project.
The industrial panels (solar panels) to be used to power
the laptops are not in the country as yet but as soon as the
panels arrive in Guyana the GoG will begin the
distribution process of laptops in the village.
Sherry Balkaran
Paramakatoi
-
-
-
-
-
Concern was raised that since this is campaigning
time, a lot of politicians enter village without
invitation letters. When these persons are
confronted they do not listen. Advice is requested on
how to deal with these persons.
The Amerindian Act states that “If a Village refuses
its consent in respect of large scale mining, a miner
may carry out the mining activities if the Minister
with responsibility for mining and the Minister
declare that the mining activities are in the public
interest”.
Enquiry was made on what is meant by ‘public
interest’ and if it is Amerindian land why should the
decision by Amerindians be overruled.
It was stated that there are many rules and
regulations but whether they are being implemented
is an issue. Persons have been entering Chinapau
without consent and are mining.
Amerindians were arrested by Police for hunting and
-
-
The Village Council has the authority under the Law to
provide permission. If anyone comes to your village,
they need to report to the Village Council office and
apply for permission. If permission is not granted,
then the persons need to leave. If they refuse to leave,
then the village Toshao, who are RCs, need to act in
accordance with their duties. For those Toshaos that
have not received their handcuffs, Minister Sukhai is
willing to go to Ministry of Home Affairs on their
behalf to ensure they receive them. Further, if
outsiders come into a village and go to a villager
instead of the Village Council, the villager needs to
voice the decision of the village regarding outsiders.
The Amerindian Act devolves its authority from the
Government and places it with the Village Council. The
Village Council needs to use this authority accordingly.
If Chinapau has an issue or a position with respect to
large scaled mining, then they can come to the MoAA
and lodge a formal complaint. The MoAA has assisted
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Name
Community
Responses
QUESTIONS/COMMENTS
(Minister Pauline Sukhai, Ms Gitanjali Chandarpal,
Mr Navindra Persaud)
fishing in Kaieteur. It is a way of life of Amerindians
to hunt but the rules are preventing them from doing
their traditional activities.
-
other villages to resolve these issues.
Regarding hunting and fishing within Kaieteur Park,
there are rules. If hunting and fishing are being done
to feed your family, it is legal but if they are done for
commercial purposes, then it is illegal.
Benedict Philips
Maik-Wak
Request was made for extension of land.
Maik-Wak is not recorded as an Amerindian village or
community. It is a settlement that has mostly Amerindian
residents. There are rules for dealing with Settlements.
Land can be granted for those Settlements that do not
meet the eligibility criteria within the Amerindian Act. It
will be granted a lease and owned in a communal manner
to ensure that everyone has a piece of land.
Lester Edwin
Kaibarupai
1. Enquiry was made as to why the land for the village
was decreased when the surveyors were mapping
the points for demarcation.
2. Request was made for workshop to be held to inform
Toshaos of what is going on within the community
and in country such as the solar panel project.
1. Every person who applied for land including
extensions and demarcation will be called into the
MoAA to talk about it. Toshaos will be asked for their
approval before anything is granted.
2. The Office of Prime Minister has bought 460 panels for
areas that have not received solar panels as yet.
Adulton Lewis
Kanopang
There is $2 million allocated for the road contract but
the road needs expanding from Kanopang to Penac.
The relevant authority will need to deal with this matter.
The authority responsible for this can try to insert it in
their 2015 budget monies for the road expansion. The
MoAA has budget issues and cannot commit itself in this
regard.
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Appendix A: List of Participants - Region 8
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