Guyana working towards satisfying Montreal Protocol
-Agri Ministry launches Code of Good Practice Manual for Refrigeration Technicians

Guyana is serious about reducing carbon emissions in the atmosphere in an effort to decrease the depletion of the ozone layer. As such, the country has been actively pursuing its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) that has received worldwide recognition.

Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud distributes Code of Good Practice Manual for Refrigeration Technicians to stakeholders at the Ministry of Agriculture

            Moreover, fulfilling the obligations of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is a commitment by Government, which has seen the undertaking of several initiatives particularly in the air-conditioning and refrigeration industry.
On tuesday, Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud joined stakeholders in launching the Code of Good Practice Manual for Refrigeration Technicians, at the Ministry of Agriculture.
“The fact that we are doing this today, which is the second day of the Technical Meeting taking place in Cancun, is important and symbolic and it reaffirms our commitment in terms of playing a positive role that we have done in our LCDS,” he said.
As a developing nation with vital forest resource, Guyana has been active in combating climate change. However, besides the country’s LCDS, Guyana has been adhering to the Montreal Protocol, hence pursuing other ways in reducing carbon emissions.

Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud addresses stakeholders at the launching of the Code of Good Practice Manual for Refrigeration Technicians, at the Ministry of Agriculture

The manual, which comes under the Terminal Phase-out Management Plan Project, outlines the proper usage of refrigerators and air-conditioners that would lead to the reduction in greenhouse gas emission thus contributing to the global efforts to combat potential impacts of climate change.
“I am happy that once again under this project we are able to make some progress in terms of satisfying our obligations under the Montreal Protocol in this regard and also working with you important stakeholders in building capacity and supporting you that you can continue to be compliant,” Minister Persaud said.
            He noted that a lot of work has been dedicated towards the development of the Code of Good Practice Manual and stakeholders should utilise it as a lasting guide when pursuing their activities.
            Since the commencement of the project, stakeholders have been active and technicians trained to build capacity and resources, so that they can expedite their duties, as it were less of a humbug and produce positive outcome because of what is occurring globally, Minister Persaud indicated.
            “Guyana has always prided ourselves dealing especially with the environment, to be a leader and to the fact that we have already exceeded the target set by this project already I think its something we should all be proud of,” he stated.
            Another demonstration of Government’s commitment towards combating Climate Change is the recent approval of contracts by Cabinet for the supply of additional support for some stakeholders, in terms of equipment and testing.
 “This is just one in the stream of interventions and support that we hope will allow you to build capacity so as to undertake the practice in refrigeration and also in your other activities,” Minister Persaud said.
In addition to the launching of this significant manual, stakeholders focused on the resuscitation of the Guyana Air-condition, Refrigeration and Ventilation Association (GARVA).

Stakeholders in attendance at the launching of the launching of the Code of Good Practice Manual for Refrigeration Technicians, at the Ministry of Agriculture

            Minister Persaud highlighted that stakeholders need to work to make GARVA strong as a group and a community.
It needs to be a functioning association and it should be noted that this project has a life and even when it ends stakeholders must continue what has been disseminated so that Guyana can continue to a play a role in the reduction of climate change.
            Earlier in the year, refrigeration equipment valued more than $20M were handed over by the Ministry of Agriculture’s Hydrometeorlogical Service, National Ozone Action Unit to stakeholders of various organisations Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Training Centre; Upper Corentyne Industrial Training Centre; Anna Regina Technical Institute; New Amsterdam Training Institute (NATI); and Georgetown Technical Institute (GTI).
            Domestic refrigeration accounts for less than 1% of HFC (hydrofluocarbon) consumption in the refrigeration/ AC sector and approximately 11% of HFC consumption in the foams sector; combined, this accounts for nearly 2% of global HFC consumption in 2010.
            Developing countries account for approximately 12% of the global HFCs consumed as refrigerants and blowing agents within the domestic refrigerants end-use.