Pandit Reepu's call for a Jagdeo third term must be taken seriously as he has shown over the years to be a man of great visionary leadership skills.

Pandit often shared the limelight and struggle with Cheddi Jagan and as such his wisdom and understanding of Cheddi's vision must not be underestimated. Papa Cheddi also confided in Reep, as she was called. So too did Cheddi's wife, Janet. So when we hear such calls from this inspirational leader we must remember that no doubt, it is a call that must be reverberated throughout all of Guyana and taken seriously.

Another businessman throws his support behind the idea of a Jagdeo third term.

Brian Yong: Absolutely nothing is wrong with people pushing for a Jagdeo Third Term because as I see it, they are entitled to have an opinion on the issue and people should at least respect that opinion. But I am a bit peeved by the fact that people are labelling the efforts of the persons behind the campaign as evil.

In my view Jagdeo is the best President Guyana has ever had, period. I believesin the President and I support him now and always. There are persons out there who people seem to fear the idea of Jagdeo running for a third term despite the fact that the President has said repeatedly he has no interest in running again. People are also apprehensive about him going for a third term despite the fact that it is the people of Guyana who have to decide that, not a group that is calling for it.

We have commenced an agressive poster campaign. Look out for 'Jagdeo Third Term' posters in Georgetown.

President wins crucial climate change support from Canadian academia

HUNDREDS of persons from mainly the academic fraternity, a significant majority of whom are Canadians, packed the halls of three of Canada’s best universities – Trent, York and Toronto – to listen and interact with Guyanese Head of State President Bharrat Jagdeo over the past two days as he drummed-up crucial support in his widely-acclaimed international lobbying efforts on the crucial issue of climate change.

They offered him unreserved encouragement and hailed his bold climate change leadership battle on the world stage.

Speaking to a packed hall at the Trent University on Wednesday evening, the President fielded a number of questions on issues such as REDD, women and gender involvement in the consultation process on the LCDS model, monitoring and evaluation systems, and even expectations at Copenhagen.

The same interactive pattern continued at York University yesterday morning and the University of Toronto yesterday afternoon.

Director of the Centre for Environment at the University of Toronto, Professor Ingrid Leman Stefanovic, in introducing President Jagdeo during his lecture in the University of Toronto Great Hall (Hart House), disclosed that the Guyanese Head of State is the very first “genuine” Head of State in the world to have visited and delivered a lecture at the university’s Centre for Environment.

Noting that the University has hosted lectures by persons of the ilk of former US Vice- President Al Gore, a Nobel prize winner for his efforts in climate change, Professor Stefanovic said that “this is the very first time that a genuine head of state of a country has come here to the University of Toronto to deliver a lecture…and this is a very big first for the university and we are all extremely proud to be a part of this.”

She hastened to add, “But we are hosting more than just another Head of State as His Excellency President Jagdeo is making waves internationally on the issue of climate change…and growing in his stature as a world leader on this important issue.”

President Jagdeo noted that one of the reasons why he decided to accept the invitation to speak at these Canadian universities is to raise awareness among academia and the public at large on the dangers of climate change and to raise awareness about Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy.

The President spoke at length at all three universities on the genesis of climate change and how it is now an accepted fact globally that there is climate change; the first time that the whole issue was discussed in the Brasilian city of Rio in 1992 and then on to the Kyoto Protocol right through to the expectations at the upcoming major climate change summit in Copenhagen in December.

Noting that over the past 40 years, some 50% of the world’s forests was lost or degraded, in spite of a lot of philanthropy – however well intentioned – from NGOs and some amount of overseas development assistance directed to forest conservation, President Jagdeo said the cause of this is because the model being used failed to address the drivers of deforestation and degradation.

The President said what is needed now, as a matter of priority, is for political leaders to demonstrate a will to act, and for a new method of accountability at the global level.

“What I believe is crucial now is the political breakthrough…and this can only come from the people who have the will to act,” the President stated.

The more than hour-long sessions at the universities were very interactive in nature with President Jagdeo responding to numerous questions and queries about issues surround climate change and the Guyana LCDS model.

The President is due home early tomorrow morning.

Canadians hail Jagdeo as ‘World Leader’ in climate change battle

IN recent years, President Bharrat Jagdeo has spoken frequently of the need for developing countries to be at the fore in identifying solutions to avert the worst extremes of climate change, and has repeatedly raised the issue at the United Nations and summits of Latin America and Commonwealth Heads of Government.

As a consequence of President Jagdeo’s consistent advocacy for urgent action on climate change, Time Magazine and CNN last year named the President as one of their ‘Heroes of the Environment’.

He has been recognized around the world for his leadership role in the area of climate change, with praise raining-in from persons such as Prince Charles, British Prime Minister Gordon Browne, United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and Hollywood superstar Harrison Forde.

That recognition of President Jagdeo’s leadership on the world stage on the issue of climate change has spread further afield in Canada over the past two days as hundreds of persons from mainly the academic fraternity, a significant majority of whom are Canadians, packed the halls of three of Canada’s best universities – Trent, York and Toronto – to listen and interact with him as he drummed-up crucial support in his widely-acclaimed international lobbying efforts at explaining the devastating effects of climate change, the myriad intricacies surrounding the catastrophic phenomenon, and the impact it will have on small developing countries like Guyana.

The Chronicle newspaper spoke with several persons who listened to the Guyanese Head of State during his lectures at Trent University on Wednesday evening and at York and Toronto Universities yesterday.

The following are snippets of their comments to this journalist:

Thaddeus Bolton – Student, Trent University
It is a great pleasure and privilege to listen to President Jagdeo, and we at the university would like to thank him for being here with us today. We would also like to thank him for the numerous years of dedication and commitment that he has demonstrated on behalf of our natural environment. Today, we are all called upon to respond to the global environmental crisis but few have demonstrated the courage and vision to take a leadership position like President Jagdeo. And for that I want to thank him for being an example of what is possible. I would also like to wish that he continue to lead and inspire students and communities around the world to be advocates and visionaries for the millions of species across the world.

Dwarka Persaud

Dwarka Persaud - Guyanese residing in Canada
I think President Jagdeo’s presentation was simply spectacular. You can see he is very knowledgeable about what he is talking about and advocating and he is an excellent speaker at any public gathering.

Dr. Don Lush – former graduate at Trent University
I thought it was a very good presentation. It is very encouraging to see leaders such as him making in-roads in this area and really trying to make things happen and there has been an awful lot of political talk and a awful lot of social feet dragging and until we actually get things happening and on the ground and working and seeing the products of that activity, we are not going to be moving ahead. We have a lot of big issues ahead of us and it takes courageous world leaders like President Jagdeo to step out and take a political chance and take the risk.

Dr. Don Lush

I think too many political leaders are playing it socially safe and not really stepping out and it is really encouraging to see somebody like President Jagdeo who is actually doing that (speaking out and raising awareness). I believe other leaders in the world generally have to start supporting innovative proposals such as the LCDS being proposed by the President of Guyana. There will always be flaws with the proposals and you will always be able to pick apart bits and pieces but unless you start somewhere, you will never get anywhere. You require the first steps to get there and President Jagdeo has already taken those first steps. He might falter, but he can pick himself up and try again. He is young enough and committed enough and I think he has the right attitude and drive that will see him make progress in the future.

Anna Punit

Mrs. Anna Punit – Trinidadian-born Canadian resident who is married to a Guyanese
I am just so overwhelmed by the attendance here today (at Trent University), particularly seeing that the majority of the gathering here are non-Guyanese and non-West Indian. I think this is indicative of the interest that the population here at Trent University and in Peterborough has in listening to the President speak on the issue of climate change. Their interest with this whole issue of global warming and climate change and the intensity with which they expressed themselves today and responses by the President to their queries…I am very impressed. His speech was just phenomenal.

Fitz Bharath

Fitz Bharath – Trinidadian-born Canadian
I thought President Jagdeo’s presentation was very informative…and, as a born Trinidadian, I didn’t realise that so much could come out from a relatively small developing country like Guyana. I think President Jagdeo and Guyana are setting a trend for the world.

Neil Widlak

Neil Widlak - Canadian
I was very impressed with his (Mr. Jagdeo) presentation and what he is trying to do, I think, is very encouraging and very refreshing. I think the Guyanese President is very knowledgeable in the area of climate change…and, as I said before, I am very impressed.

Capt. Gerry Gouveia – Prominent businessman and Head of Guyana’s Private Sector Commission
The President’s presentation here at Trent University, first of all, made me very proud as a Guyanese. When you listen to the people respond to President Jagdeo as a world leader and the last comment that we have heard here tonight, that if other world leaders was as knowledgeable like him about the details of his own country and the history of climate change then the world would be a better place - this made me very, very proud. I think also this is going to make the world be a lot more aware because universities like this (Trent) are going to be paying special interest –in terms of research, for instance, in environmental practices…so I believe that the President’s presentation here this evening and again tomorrow (Thursday) is going to move the LCDS process even further.

Gerry Gouveia

I think President Jagdeo is doing a wonderful job with this in really putting Guyana on the map. For me, as an eco-tourism operator, the low carbon development strategy is really a big, big boost for eco-tourism in Guyana and anybody in Guyana who is interested in doing business with a social conscience and with a high level of responsible management will find the low carbon strategy as a great asset to them – to both Guyana and the world.

Also, I want to say that I cannot, as the leader of the private sector in Guyana and when I look deep in my heart and I sat through the consultation process that has been going on across the country, I cannot understand why anyone would be against the strategy. This is not politics; this is good sense. So when I see people being negative about this strategy, it hurts me.

Mr. Meric Gertter - Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at the University of Toronto
I want to thank President Jagdeo for gracing this university with his presence.

We really appreciate him taking the time to teach us more about climate change and Guyana’s visionary plan to preserve its tropical rainforest to combat climate change.

Donna Workman

Donna Workman - Manager of Programme and Partnership Development at the Centre for Environment, University of Toronto
I thought that his (President) Jagdeo’s presentation was very insightful, intelligent and inspiring…I hope that we can do a session together at Cophenhagen where we can, in partnership, push his ideas forward. I believe that he is doing a great job and I wish we had more leaders like him. I wish him great momentum and that he gets the ears of the communities as he continues to push forward the agenda for the benefit of all.

Jagdeo, Chavez talks bears fruit!

Guyana yesterday sealed a US$ 18.8 M (G$ 3.7 bilion) deal with neighbouring Venezuela for that country to import some 50,000 tonnes of local cargo rice.

Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) General Manager, Mr. Jagnarine Singh signed the multi-million dollar agreement with Head of a Venezuelan, Colonel Rodolfo Marco at a press briefing convened at the Ministry of Agriculture.

The historic occasion was witnessed by Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud, Venezuelan Ambassador to Guyana, Mr. Dario Morandy, Rice Producers Association (RPA) General Secretary, Mr. Dharamkumar Seeraj and other officials from both countries.

Persaud pointed out that initially 10,000 tonnes of white rice and 40,000 tonnes of paddy will be exported to Venezuela and the GRDB has been tasked with facilitating the trade.

The minister said the export price for paddy will be US$ 330 per metric tonne both costs and freight and white rice five percent broken at US$ 560.

“These two prices represent a very substantial percentage above what wee see taking place in the market from export and if we look at the trend.

“I must say that we are very appreciative of President Chavez’s Government of Venezuela for entering into this agreement, it is the first agreement we have of this kind and perhaps the first time we will be exporting rice to Venezuela.

He said once the agreement has been finalised, the two countries will be looking to explore trade is other areas apart from rice.

“Within the context of the agreement…within five days or there about…by Sunday or Monday a three person delegation will come from Caracas to inspect and as it were to look at all the other considerations so that we can commence export.

“The aim is to have the first shipment leaving Guyana in the first week of November and there will be about 10 shipments with the last shipment being in the last week of February,” the minister disclosed.

These arrangements, he said will not preclude other agreements the two governments many wish to enter.

Persaud told reporters that Colonel Torrez has requested of commodities that Venezuela might have and interest of importing.

“It all part of a thrust of looking at new markets and opportunities for the sector and moreso for our farmers,” he said.

Seeraj viewed the agreement as a beginning of an arrangement that will see farmers getting a better deal within the entire process of producing and marketing rice.

He said there has been a problem here in the past where local exporters seem to have lost the will to market rice and basically reduced themselves to being price takers in the industry.

“The significance of this arrangement is that the Ministry of Agriculture and indeed the Government of Guyana through the GRDB has initiated an arrangement that is intended to bring about some protection to the farmers, because I am certain that the participating exporters in this arrangement will have to agree to pass on the benefits of this agreement to the farmers so that they can enjoy better price for their produce,” the RPA General Secretary said.

Torrez said the Venezuelan Government is pleased to be importing rice from Guyana and lauded Minister Persaud for his role in the agreement.

Ambassador Morandy said the agreement marks a historic moment for both countries and Venezuelans back home will be looking forward to enjoying the local staple.

President Jagdeo attends launch of world-class Biomaterials Research Programme at Trent University

'TRENT UNIVERSITY LAB TOUR': President Bharrat Jagdeo listens attentively to Guyanese-born Research Scientist Dr. Suresh Narine (right) during a guided tour of the laboratories at the prestigious Trent University in Canada – which will be used to develop new biomaterials, bio-chemicals and bio-products from natural oils. Also in photo are Guyana’s Consul General in Toronto Mr. Danny Doobay (third right) and Head of Guyana’s Private Sector Commission Captain Gerry Gouveia (left).


President Bharrat Jagdeo yesterday attended the official launch of the Centre of Knowledge in the Environment at Trent University in Canada, a function that featured celebratory funding announcements for the creation of a new world-class Trent Biomaterials Research Programme to be led by Canadian-based Guyanese Dr. Suresh Narine, a pioneer and leader in this emerging field.

'TRENT VISIT': President Bharrat Jagdeo and Guyanese-born Canadian-based Research Scientist Dr. Suresh Sugrim during a guided tour at Trent University in Canada yesterday. (Mark Ramotar photo)

The groundbreaking laboratory and research programme at the prestigious Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada will focus on the utilisation of plant oils (lipids) to create new biomaterials.

“Our research offers an alternative solution – to employ agriculture (fats and oils) to create renewable feed stocks that then can be converted using science to create materials more environmentally benign and more in sync with the natural carbon cycle to abate and combat climate change,” said Dr. Narine, who was recruited to Trent from the University of Alberta – another Canadian university.

“On behalf of my team of researchers and Trent University, I would like to offer our deep appreciation to all of our generous founding partners and funders for their financial commitment that will place Trent’s Biomaterials Research Programme among one of the top facilities of its kind in the world,” Dr. Narine stated.

President Jagdeo, in concluding remarks at the launching ceremony yesterday morning, lauded the Trent University - especially Dr. Narine for his dedication, commitment and vision - and extend congratulations and best wishes to him and his highly talented multi-ethnic and multi-cultural team of researchers (Organic Chemists, Materials Physicists, and Polymer Chemists) working on the biomaterials programme.

Mr. Jagdeo also recalled how extremely pleased he was when, a few years ago, Dr. Narine returned to Guyana to serve as the Executive Director of Guyana’s Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST), where he managed to, in a short time, infused enthusiasm and hope in that Institute.

The Guyanese head of state, who is currently on a brief visit to Canada where he has been invited to – among other things - deliver lectures and make keynote addresses at three Canadian Universities (Trent - last evening, and York and University of Toronto - today) as part of his internationally-recognised and committed efforts to drum-up support for the fight against climate change, spent the entire day at the sprawling and scenic campus at Trent.

Noting how pleased he was to have been invited by the University to attend, participate and share in this special day, Mr. Jagdeo said the University can take a lead role in helping to find urgent solutions to globally catastrophic problems we are expected to face in the very near future, and some of which we are already facing at the moment.

President Jagdeo, accompanied by Guyana’s Consul General in Toronto Mr. Danny Doobay and Head of Guyana’s Private Sector Commission Captain Gerry Gouveia, were among those given a guided tour of the laboratories – which will be used to develop new biomaterials, bio-chemicals and bio-products from natural oils.