CARICOM must exploit...

compounded the issues. He pointed out that these have contributed to the high cost of energy, which has led to increased costs for electricity, transportation, and consumer goods, contributing to inflation in developed and developing states. “Much of our inflation is imported. As political leaders and policy makers, we have to face the reality of inflation that is not as a result of bad policies or measures…This has pushed many families into poverty and food insecurity,” the president said.

According to the World Energy and Consumption Yearbook for 2021, global energy consumption rebounded by 5 per cent in 2021 compared to the 4.5 per cent fall in 2020.

The global primary energy consumption for the year 2021 was 176,431 terawatt hours. The four main sources of power consumed were oil, 29 per cent, coal, 24 per cent, natural gas, 22 per cent, and hydropower, six per cent.

“This is the reality. This is not guesswork; this is the data. So, let’s have the conversation as to how we first moved away from coal, the 25 per cent. Why isn’t that conversation the priority? “If coal is the worst form of energy, how do we transition? What is needed to make that first and immediate transition from coal, which is 25 per cent? Where is that conversation?” President Ali questioned.

Dr Ali stated that the region’s reliance on fossil fuels and natural gas will continue for the foreseeable future, stating “It’s not a big scientific analysis that is required. It is based on what is before us.”

He said to achieve a net-zero global system, countries must invest in clean energy and green technology, reduce their carbon footprint, and create new economic opportunities in the clean energy sector.

The president also highlighted the importance of ensuring that the transition to a net-zero world is equi-

Constitutional Agencies’ Budgets...

← From page 11 President with Responsibility for Finance Dr.Ashni Singh.

During his presentation Dr. Singh reminded that key and critical Constitutional bodies that are part of the architecture of constitutional governance are appointed and functioning, such as the Audit Office of Guyana, the Supreme Court, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Public Service Appellate Tribunal, the Ombudsman, and the Guyana Elections Commission. He added that ‘In 2022, Constitutional agencies inclusive of the Public Procurement Commission, Police Service Commission, and most recently in January 2023, the Teaching Service Commission have been appointed. He pointed out further that ‘Notably, the consultative process with civil society organisations for nominations to the Ethnic Relations Commission and the Women and Gender Equality Commission has been completed’. He added further that the approval of the National Assembly is anticipated shortly after the budget is adopted.

Dr. Singh emphasized during his presentation as well on January 16 last that ‘the work to complete the Rights of the Child Commission and the Indigenous People’s Commission should be completed by mid-year while Issues surrounding the appointment of the long-overdue Judicial Service Commission are on public record despite efforts by His Excellency the President to bring this to conclusion in 2022. He added further then that ‘the process for concluding the nominees to the Public Service Commission is in progress at the Committee of Appointment’.

In relation to the Guyana Elections Commission table and beneficial for all people. “So, while still quite capital intensive, renewable energy will and must be pursued. This is not an argument against renewable energy. We must pursue every opportunity of renewable energy and we have a tremendous opportunity,” he noted.

(GECOM), this year’s Budget provides for an additional sum to cater for Local Government Elections and this was explained by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira following queries today about the additional allocation for the Constitutional body. During his presentation on Budget Day, Dr. Singh had also alluded to this during his 2023 Budget presentation: “…the upcoming local government elections will serve as a reminder of our Government’s commitment to good governance and transparency across every community, and will provide much needed renewal to the local government system,” he said.

The $781.9 Billion Budget was presented under the theme “Improving Lives Today, Building Prosperity for Tomorrow’.

He said coming out of the conference should be an outcome document that contributes to the global system, and provides insight into how the region is approaching the transition to a net-zero world, specifically how the investors in the energy sector in the region are viewing the transition and potential opportunities in clean energy.