YouSaid · the spoken record

Donald Rabindranauth Ramotar

lines on the record: 53
first: 2012-09-24
most recent: 2014-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Just as the Millennium Development Goals provided a new focus and raised hopes in the year 2000, so today we must rekindle that spirit to eradicate poverty and inequality in the post-2015 period. Let me express our appreciation to the Secretary- General and the staff of the United Nations for their tireless efforts in carrying out the mandate of the Organization in very challenging times. I assure them that they have the full support of the people and the Government of Guyana.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Likewise, accelerated reform of the international financial institutions is critical if we are to ensure their effectiveness in protecting global financial stability and supporting sustainable development. In conclusion, I would like to recall the proposal that Guyana made through its first democratically elected President, Mr. Cheddi Jagan, for a new global human order, on which the General Assembly has pronounced itself in several resolutions. That proposal seeks to balance the interests of developed and developing countries. It is a proposal whose time has come, and it should be pursued with other initiatives to find solutions so that we can realize the dreams of generations that came before us for peace, progress and prosperity.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Let me acknowledge the prompt response and leadership shown by Cuba and the United States of America in rendering assistance to the countries in West Africa. In our time, we must continue the search for new approaches to many of the global problems that confront us. In today’s interconnected and interdependent world, the destinies of States and peoples are increasingly intertwined. The concerted global action that is necessary to address today’s problems can be achieved only with strong multilateralism and through relevant, responsive and more democratic global institutions. Critical issues include reforms to the Security Council and the international financial institutions. Concrete progress in Security Council reform is imperative in order to assure the continued legitimacy and relevance of that important United Nations organ.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“The many unresolved border issues that exist in our world are always a potential source of conflict and are often used to retard the development of countries, preventing them from improving the quality of life of their own peoples and from promoting the welfare of the region to which they belong. My own country is not unaffected by this. The United Nations must therefore redouble its efforts to assist in the resolution of such issues. We currently face a stark reminder of how fragile global welfare is in the face of singular threats such as the Ebola epidemic. Make no mistake, that is a global problem that requires an immediate global response many times greater what is currently being done.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“We condemn the barbaric and grotesque killing of journalists, humanitarian aid workers and other hostages and the loss of civilian lives in those conflict areas by the murderous extremists in those countries. Guyana condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The situation in Ukraine is another cause for concern. We must not forget that the two world wars had their origins in Europe. That is why we should exert every effort to bring all the partners to the table for a peaceful resolution. Attempting to secure military advantages is not only foolhardy but downright dangerous. The solution has to be based on justice and the aspirations of the peoples in that country.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Once again, we have seen the bombing of an almost unarmed population in Gaza by one of the world’s most powerful military machines, supported and replenished by even more powerful military forces. Guyana calls for the end of the apartheid-like situation that exists in Palestine, where poverty and degradation are weapons used to repress a whole people. The people of Palestine have a right to live with dignity in their own country, and the United Nations must never compromise on the principle of self-determination. The continuing wars in Syria and Iraq are most distressing. They are leading to more extremism and a rapid descent into barbarism. That has resulted from years of financing and arming of radical forces to promote political objectives.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“In addition, many of those countries are heavily indebted, as they must make unavoidable investments in building and rebuilding social, economic and productive infrastructure to strengthen their resilience. We call on the international community to reconsider that approach by adding a vulnerability index to the equation. We also call for debt relief, as the debt accumulated by most of those countries makes their economies unsustainable. The most important precondition for progress is peace. Many conflicts and potential for conflicts continue unresolved, while new threats to global security have risen to dangerous levels. The situation in the Middle East is the most disturbing. Still at the heart of it is the great tragedy that is the plight of the Palestinian people.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“As we craft a transformative agenda, it will be especially important to ensure that it is flexible enough to address the peculiar needs of some countries. The special circumstances occasioned by the vulnerabilities of small island and low-lying coastal developing States bear particular mention in that regard. Far too often, the progress made can be speedily reversed owing to the impacts of climate change and natural disasters. We must spare no effort to ensure that we have a legally binding agreement on this matter in 2015. Ironically, as we discuss the post-2015 development agenda, many Caribbean Community countries are being graduated from eligibility for concessionary financing, since they are classified as middle-income based on the narrow measure of gross domestic product per capita.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“In the light of those failures, it is imperative that the post-2015 framework include, first, a time-bound commitment for delivering official development assistance on which commitments have already been made; secondly, a global framework for managing intellectual property rights that places the development imperative at its centre; thirdly, a global trading architecture that recognizes the asymmetries in the global state of development and is suitably responsive to them; fourthly, a framework that ensures that private-sector investment is consistent with the development agenda. The recommendations of the Open Working Group on Sustainable Development Goals and of the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts on Sustainable Development Financing provide a good platform on which to build.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“As we prepare for yet another conference on financing for development, in Ethiopia next year, I would like to remind the Assembly that the commitment of 0.7 per cent was made over four decades ago in this very Assembly, and was reiterated in 2002 at the International Conference on Financing for Development in Monterrey.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“These imbalances are clearly unsustainable and can be addressed only through concerted global action. While many developing countries have shown serious determination in working towards the Goals by allocating more resources to human development, the support offered to them by developed countries, as envisaged in MDG 8, has fallen significantly short of expectations. It is extremely disappointing, to say the least, that in the face of pressing needs, only about half a dozen developed countries have kept their pledge to reserve 0.7 per cent of their gross national product for official development assistance.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“In much the same manner, while we have all agreed on increasing development assistance to developing countries, the reality is that the net transfer of financial resources from developing to developed countries continues unabated, amounting to $200 billion in 2002 and increasing to $557 billion in 2010. That perverse trend continues today. And this transfer of financial resources is only a part of the picture. Developing countries also suffer a net loss of skills to the developed world through migration. That is after the former countries have expended huge amounts on training. In addition, our efforts in the health and education sectors are often frustrated by the high costs of school books and essential medicines, owing to the strictures of intellectual property rights.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“The gaps between the top and bottom segments of the world’s population are widening greatly. The concentration of wealth in the hands of a few has reached dangerous proportions. Oxfam International recently highlighted this phenomenon, and some figures are startling. Oxfam noted that the richest 1 per cent of the population of the world owns about 46 per cent of global wealth — some $110 trillion — while the bottom 50 per cent owns just about $1.7 trillion, or 0.7 per cent of the world’s wealth. That amount, $1.7 trillion, is the same as that possessed by 85 of the world’s richest people — in other words, 85 persons have as much wealth as 50 per cent of the world’s population. Clearly, such a degree of inequality is unsustainable.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“In others, mainly countries ravaged by conflicts and wars, laudable gains have been reversed. Some Goals have also proven more elusive than others. Maternal mortality in particular requires additional attention. It is clear that the world could have advanced much further along the road to achieving the MDGs. Unfortunately, that did not happen, because the partnership needed to achieve every objective was not strong enough. We should therefore examine the reasons for the sub-optimal results. It is true that we all have a responsibility for the welfare of the people of the world and the state of our planet in general. The reality, however, is that some countries have far more resources than others, and some also use much more of the world’s resources. And while our responsibilities are shared, they must necessarily be differentiated.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“Guyana’s success in building its health-sector capacity could not have been possible without Cuba’s assistance, which included training hundreds of our doctors, and which Cuba has done despite its own economic difficulties. We would like to join the vast majority of the countries of the world in once more calling for an end to Cuba’s economic blockade by the United States. While we should recognize the gains that have been made around the world, I hasten to point out that they have not been uniform across countries or regions. In some places the progress has been dramatic. Asia, for instance, has had remarkable success with many of the Goals. In Latin America and the Caribbean there has also been considerable progress. There are, however, some areas that have seen almost no noticeable change since 2000.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“In fact, we have succeeded not only in growing our economy but also in ensuring that the growth has resulted in an improved quality of life for our people. Indeed, we are one of only 17 countries in the world recognized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations for not only meeting the goal of reducing hunger by half but also of improving their people’s nutrition. We have achieved universal primary education and are close to achieving universality for secondary education, too. We have also made important strides in housing, health, water and other social facilities. In that regard, I would like to express my country’s gratitude to all the development partners that have contributed greatly to the gains we have made in working towards the MDGs.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“That is essential if we are to move forward with the post-2015 agenda that we are now about to finalize. I should recall that in 2000, when the eight Goals were announced, they inspired great hope and enthusiasm around the world, particularly in developing countries and among the poor. It is true that we have made tangible progress in our efforts to achieve the MDGs. Global poverty has fallen and continues to fall; many more children are attending primary schools; health services have improved for many people, resulting in a significant decline in child mortality; and the spread of HIV/AIDS and malaria has been halted and even reversed in some regions. In Guyana, despite the negative effects of the international financial situation, we have managed to keep our economy growing steadily over the past eight years.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“I wish to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your assumption of the presidency of the General Assembly at this year’s session. I wish also to commend your predecessor, Ambassador John Ashe of Antigua and Barbuda, and his team, for so effectively setting the stage for what will now follow under your tenure, as it relates to the post-2015 development agenda and other critical issues that warrant the focused attention of the international community. This debate in the General Assembly is taking place on the eve of the target year set by world leaders in 2000 for achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It is therefore a timely moment to assess the progress that has been made, and also to understand why we could not achieve all the Goals in full.”
2014-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 69 (2014)
“The United Nations also has a role to play in ensuring that the poorer, smaller developing countries are not always put at a disadvantage at the level of international economic discourse and action. It is critical that this body pursue and encourage multilateral approaches to international and global problems. Experience has shown that even though the multilateral approach is often slow, it is the only approach that can lead to lasting peace, democracy and justice in our world.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“We therefore welcome the initiative of the Secretary- General to convene a summit on climate change, and hope that it will result in a strong political consensus for addressing this paramount challenge of our time. We welcome the observance of 2014 as the International Year of Small Island Developing States, and call on the international community to seize the chance to take a serious approach to meaningfully assist such States, in particular in relation to building resilience and disaster risk management. To that end, a special fund must be established and made easily accessible. In setting the stage for the post-2015 development agenda, we believe that we should intensify efforts to eradicate poverty. The United Nations must not allow that objective to be lost among the many other demands that exist.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Another serious challenge to sustainable development is the impact of climate change. This is even more the case for small island developing States, which are represented in the Assembly. Some of them face an imminent passage to oblivion. Climate change is not of our making but, sadly, as small island developing States and low-lying coastal States, we remain the victims of its most adverse impacts. Unfortunately, instead of a reduction in the emissions of greenhouse gases, there has been a rise of nearly 50 per cent. This marked failure to take decisive action poses a threat to all humankind. It is tragic that while we all know that dangers that lurk due to global warming and climate change, we seem incapable of stopping ourselves.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Even as we continue to grapple with the effects of the financial crisis, we are now faced with the graduation and differentiation imposed by some of our international partners. We are told that as middle-income countries, measured by per capita gross domestic product (GDP), we are no longer entitled to concessionary financing. This is a recipe for reversing the gains made over the years of hard work and sacrifice. We call for a rethink of that position and urge that greater consideration be given to the special vulnerabilities of our region, where a country can see its entire GDP wiped out by a single hurricane or, as in our country in 2005, when 60 per cent of its GDP was wiped out because of floods. Clearly what we need is increased cooperation with the international community and our development partners, and not less.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“The eradication of poverty and the promotion of sustainable development must become a key principle and objective of global economic governance and a guidepost for the action of international financial and trade institutions. While I speak of these achievements, I would be remiss if I did not point out the grave challenges confronting us even as we seek to build on the foundations that have already been laid. We in the Caribbean have experienced major setbacks due to the international economic and financial crises that started in North America and Europe. While it appears that those two regions are emerging from the crises, the effects continue to be devastating in the Caribbean.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“They remain the most important factor for development. That is why my country has been increasingly investing in the development of our people. An examination of our national budget will reveal that some 30 per cent of our expenditure goes to the social sector. As a result, we have managed to achieve several of the Millennium Development Goals well before the time envisaged. We have achieved universal primary education and are close to achieving universal secondary education. We have also slashed poverty by more than half. Moreover, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, we are one of the few countries in the world that have not only reduced poverty but also improved nutrition.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“The adoption in April of the landmark Arms Trade Treaty opens the door to effective regulation of the international trade in conventional arms. For us in the Caribbean, the Treaty bears relevance not only to the safety and security of our citizens and to the fight against transnational crime, but also, in an important way, to our overall pursuit of sustainable development. The funnelling of guns into our societies is a menace that must be curbed in order to preserve our young people and our future. As one of the first countries to ratify the Treaty, Guyana urges all States to work to assure its early entry into force. While peace is vital to development, let me hasten to add that socioeconomic progress coupled with democracy is crucial to the preservation of peace. Central to these principles are our people.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“Nevertheless, it is our fervent hope that the people of that great brotherly country and their leaders, regardless of their political persuasion, will find a peaceful way out of the present difficulties. Moreover, peace in the Middle East will not be realized until we have a just solution to the Palestinian tragedy. The Palestinian people have the right to their own country. We support them in their quest for the right to live in peace and in an independent, viable Palestinian State. Turning to our own region, allow me to underscore that the blockade against our sister Caribbean country Cuba has caused serious damage to that country’s economy and continues to be a major obstacle to development. We join the call for a lifting of the blockade and the removal of the burden that it places on the Cuban people.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“We welcome the agreement between Russia and the United States that will facilitate the destruction of chemical weapons held in Syria. We call on all countries that possess such weapons to do the same. We hope too, that terrorist forces operating in Syria will withdraw. After all, they cannot be terrorists when they were fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq, but freedom fighters when fighting the Syrian Government. A terrorist is simply a terrorist. In the same way, let me say that a blow was struck against democracy when the coup took place in Egypt. However, the major world Powers, instead of condemning the use of such means to change Governments, chose to remain silent. This gave tacit support to the coup, which has led to violations of human rights and loss of innocent lives, and may lead to more protests and possibly violence and death.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“To this end, we must create an international environment that will facilitate the achievement of the goals that we will set for the future. Central to our efforts must be the focus on world peace. Peace and development are inseparable. Peace will be realized only if international law and the rights of nations and their sovereignty are always respected and upheld. It is in this regard that I wish to view the situation in the Middle East. At the moment, Syria is at the centre of our collective concern. The war in that sister nation has taken thousands of innocent lives. It is an illusion to believe that military intervention will bring peace to that country. What is badly needed is political dialogue among the Syrian parties. The international community also has an important role to play.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“To defend the gains that we have made and to expand further, it is necessary for the United Nations to focus on narrowing the gaps in income, access to social services, infrastructure, land distribution and other critical areas. If there is one lesson to be drawn from efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, it is that addressing inequality is crucial to the achievement of sustainable development objectives. The approach adumbrated in the resolution on a new global human order (resolution 65/120) remains relevant in the struggle to eradicate poverty and inequality and indeed the post-2015 development agenda. In setting the stage for a post-2015 agenda, we must build on and expand the gains made.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“To this end, Guyana supports the Secretary-General’s Global Education First Initiative as an instrument for the development of meaningful solutions to the challenges regarding access to and quality of education. If we are to make this world a better place for everyone, we must also address the issue of inequality. Income distribution continues to be skewed in favour of the rich nations and rich persons within nations. This gap has grown dangerously wide. Needless to say, inequality leads to great discontent and social unrest. At the heart of many of the conflicts we see today is the widening gap between the haves and have-nots. Sometimes this is not readily visible, as the fight for social and economic justice is often clouded by inter-ethnic, interreligious and other types of conflicts.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“However, prospects vary significantly within and across countries and regions, and a large number of countries are likely to come short in achieving the Goals. Health and education challenges threaten the sustainability of hard-earned socioeconomic gains. Today, still more than 1 billion people live in extreme poverty and one in eight persons on the planet — among them 200 million children — suffer from chronic undernourishment. In addition, we still have 57 million children who are out of school. This needs to be urgently corrected. We must also pay special attention to the quality of education in order to develop a generation of global citizens who are capable of rising to the challenges of the future.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“I would also like to take this opportunity to express our solidarity with and deepest condolences to the Government and people of Kenya in the wake of the recent terrorist attacks there, which resulted in the loss of life and great pain to the people of that nation. Barely 800 days remain until the deadline for the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is reached and a post-2015 development agenda launched. It is appropriate, therefore, that the Assembly has been invited to focus its attention on the theme of “The post- 2015 development agenda: setting the stage”. A review of our experience to date will reveal that the world as a whole has witnessed substantial progress towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“My delegation and I warmly congratulate you, Mr. President, on your election to the high office of President of the General Assembly. I salute you as a distinguished son of our Caribbean community and I pledge Guyana’s unwavering support towards the successful execution of your important duties. I would also like to pay tribute to your predecessor, His Excellency Mr. Vuk Jeremi., for his valuable service to the Organization. And I take this occasion to reiterate our thanks to the Secretary-General, His Excellency Mr. Ban Ki-moon, for his leadership and dedication to the United Nations.”
2013-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 68 (2013)
“In our time, the United Nations has become indispensable in tackling pressing global issues. We must therefore all work together to strengthen the Organization so as to make it more effective in the face of the many challenges that are ahead.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“The United Nations must also be reformed in a manner that will enhance its contribution to global economic governance, in keeping with the purposes of its Charter. The United Nations has an important role to play in addressing the democracy deficit in decision-making on such matters, which often have far-reaching implications, particularly for small States. Reforming the United Nations along those lines will provide it with greater legitimacy, which is key to its effectiveness in the eyes of the world. That legitimacy will be enhanced by the delivery of results that meet the expectations of the global citizenry in areas where action is most needed. In conclusion, allow me to recognize the great role played by this body over the years in promoting world peace. It has done a lot to contain and resolve regional and local conflicts.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“The United Nations was established at a time when the vast majority of the human family was not represented in its councils and most nations could not speak on their own behalf. That is not the case today. The near universal representativeness of its membership gives the United Nations unparalleled legitimacy among world institutions. The governance of the Organization needs major reform if it is to reflect the realities of the present time and give full expression to the aspirations of the world’s peoples. For the Security Council, the imperative for reform is particularly urgent. I reaffirm Guyana’s steadfast support for timely reform of the Council through an expansion in both the permanent and non-permanent categories, with particular regard to the representation of developing countries.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Having regard for the principle of the sovereignty of States set down in the United Nations Charter, Guyana wishes to place on record once again its firm opposition to the economic, financial and commercial embargo imposed against its sister Caribbean State of Cuba. We call for an immediate end to the policy. Cuba has made great contributions to the social development of many developing countries. The lifting of the blockade can allow it to do much more. The myriad challenges affecting our world today pose a formidable test to the multilateral system that embodies our collective aspirations for peace and development. Such challenges tax our collective resolve to act in the best interest of humankind.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“We are of the view that the resolution of that conflict, which has lasted for too long, is key to a lasting peace in the Middle East. Guyana recognizes the State of Palestine based on its 1967 borders and supports its aspirations to full membership in the United Nations. The Palestinian people deserve the same rights as people everywhere: to live in dignity, security, freedom and independence, at peace with all their neighbours and with the right to move freely in their own land. Guyana is encouraged by the continuing efforts of the Republic of the Sudan and the Republic of South Sudan to resolve their differences through negotiations. We are hopeful also that the people of Mali will be able to overcome their current crisis and restore the celebrated legacy of Timbuktu.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“It is my country’s sincere hope that peace will soon come to the Syrian people. Guyana urges the renewal of efforts to bring the warring parties to the negotiating table. The international community must contribute to peace and not to the exacerbation of strife and conflict. Any abandonment of its role in bringing peace to Syria will result in greater suffering in that country and undermine security in that part of the world. The United Nations must therefore persevere in finding a peaceful end to the conflict. We therefore support the efforts of the Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and the League of Arab States in trying to bring the conflict in Syria to a peaceful end. I also wish to underline Guyana’s strong support for the peaceful settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Respect for the rule of law and tolerance for the faiths and beliefs of all humankind must continue to be the guiding principles through which we build harmonious societies. While we condemn the attacks and insults that the recent film heaped on Islam, we believe that nothing of that nature can justify the murder of diplomats and the violence we have seen. We therefore extend our sympathy to the people and Government of the United States of America on the murder of Ambassador Christopher Stevens and others in Libya. We believe that the best homage we can pay to their memory is to work even harder for a just, peaceful and tolerant world. In concert with the proposed theme of this debate, the United Nations must continue to pursue peaceful solutions to political conflicts, no matter how slow and painstaking the process may be.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“The tide of democratic change that has swept the planet and raised the expectations of peoples for social progress and better standards of life in an environment of enlarged freedoms is receding. Those legitimate aspirations deserve the respect and encouragement of the Governments concerned and the support of the international community. No people should be denied the right to live in dignity or to live a life free from fear and want. At the same time, we must be careful to guard against the superimposition of agendas based on ulterior designs that are alien to those noble aspirations. While we give solidarity and support where needed, let us not forget that this body crafted an important principle of self-determination. Human rights and fundamental freedoms are best preserved in an environment of peace and security.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“In that context, increased international support for the expansion of rural infrastructure is critical. Ms. Flores (Honduras), Vice-President, took the Chair. If we are to maintain our credibility, we must avoid indecisiveness on the issues that afflict humankind. We are only three short years away from 2015, the year we set for ourselves to reach important goals for improving the security of our planet and enhancing the quality of life for all. We must do what we promised to do and we must do so without delay. Greater alacrity is also needed in the area of politics, where tensions and unrest in many corners of our globe threaten to undermine international peace and security.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Food prices are surging once again, and risk rising even further as severe droughts decimate crop yields. Those who suffer from chronic hunger today cannot wait until the international community agrees on a post-2015 development framework. They cannot wait until we craft new sustainable development goals. They need action now. The decades-long under-investment in agriculture and rural development needs to be urgently reversed if food security is to be guaranteed on a sustainable basis. In line with the Five Rome Principles for Sustainable Global Food Security, Guyana calls for an acceleration of the twin-track approach to enhancing direct action against hunger for the most vulnerable and for promoting medium- to long-term sustainability in agriculture and rural development.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“But, as our experience patently demonstrates, that path is not without its hurdles. Just three short months ago, in Rio de Janeiro, we renewed our collective commitment to sustainable development and to ensuring the promotion of an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable future for our planet. We also agreed that the eradication of poverty was the greatest challenge facing the world today, and we recommitted ourselves to freeing humankind from poverty and hunger as a matter of urgency. We need, therefore, as a matter of exigency, to respond to the plight of more than 1 billion of our fellow citizens who bear the ache of hunger on a daily basis. They are found on every continent, in every city and in rural communities across the world. Their plight is worsening.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“The result is that those most at risk are effectively deprived of the means to adapt to that existential threat. We cannot continue to deal with threats to the survival of the planet with such casualness. As a low-lying coastal State, Guyana is mindful of the dangers posed by climate change. We have been at the forefront of the appeals to the international community to match its concern with tangible action. It is clear that some countries are taking the issue seriously. Norway has led the way by giving tangible support in fighting climate change. Guyana, for its part, has chosen to pursue a low-carbon development strategy in order to ensure economic growth, social progress and environmental sustainability for present and future generations of our citizens.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“If solving those collective problems requires greater will, then other transnational problems such as the climate crisis require urgent, immediate and decisive action. Our failure to do so risks causing irretrievable harm to humankind. Despite the strong scientific and economic case for action, the global response to the climate crisis falls short of what is required in terms of both scale and urgency. The projected level of reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions is much too low. Scientists are warning us of the catastrophic consequences if the rise in greenhouse emissions is not halted. Already some States are facing imminent extinction. To add insult to injury, the promise of fast-start financing made at Copenhagen a few years ago has not materialized.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“The availability of guns in many societies — I would note that we do not produce them — most of which has come as a by-product of the narco-trade, has contributed to the growth of gun crimes and murders in the region and beyond. To deal with the problem, Guyana is ready to cooperate fully with the international community to bring the criminals to justice and free our people from the multiple dangers that drug trafficking creates. Even as our society advances, the issues we have to deal with often seem to multiply. The issue of trafficking in persons has also arisen over the past decade as a major concern. We join with all democratic and decent people throughout the world in condemning that crime. Again, it is a campaign that requires a high level of cooperation. We are ready to play our part.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Guyana therefore continues to advocate for reform of the graduation policies and aid allocation criteria of the international financial institutions to take account of the structural vulnerability and level of economic resilience of small States, for measures to ease the debt burden, for renewed access to concessionary financing for highly indebted middle-income countries and for the strengthening of financial regulations. The international economic crisis has also led to growing negative social problems. Despite great efforts by many countries, the war against narco–trafficking is far from over. That scourge has an impact on all our countries. It has also directly and indirectly engendered the growth in criminal activity in our region.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“If we are to encourage our youth to become responsible citizens and prepare them to be the leaders of tomorrow, we must ensure that our education systems allow for the development of their full potential. I am therefore honoured to join the Secretary- General in promoting the Education First initiative. We are nonetheless conscious that the sustainability of our growth and that of other developing countries will be hindered if the weakness in the international economy is prolonged.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)
“Guyana has had to face many serious challenges. However, we have worked steadfastly to build a more resilient economy and country. We have managed to forestall the worst effects of the international economic crises. Over the past six years, we have achieved an economic growth rate of approximately 5 per cent per annum. The growth rate is, I believe, the result of the investments that we have been making in our people. More than 30 per cent of our budget is dedicated to education, health, housing, water and social programmes to help the most vulnerable. Today Guyana has achieved universal primary education, and we have come a long way towards attaining universal secondary education. However, significant challenges remain in reaching people in the remote areas of our country.”
2012-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 67 (2012)