Stakeholders receive $20M refrigeration equipment boost from Agri. Ministry -in keeping with Terminal Phase Out Management Plan

Refrigeration equipment valued more than $20M were handed over today by the Ministry of Agriculture's Hydrometeorlogical Service, National Ozone Action Unit to stakeholders of various organisations.
            Among the beneficiaries are the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) Training Centre, Upper Corentyne Industrial Training Centre, Anna Regina Technical Institute, New Amsterdam Training Institute (NATI), Georgetown Technical Institute (GTI), Guyana Air Conditioning and Refrigeration and Ventilation Association (GARVA) and the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) as part of the National Ozone Action Unit (AOAU) and the Terminal Phase Out Management Project (TPMP).

Hon. Robert M. Persaud, Minister of Agriculture presents equipment to a Representative from GuySuCo Training Center as part of the Terminal Phase Out Management Plan at the Ministry of Agriculture's  Boardroom. (March 02, 2010)

            The equipment include, digital scale, portable identifier for CFCs (Chlorofluoro carbons), HCFCs (Hydrocholorofluorocarbons), HFCs (hydroflurocarbons), and Hydro carbons, portable electronic leak detector, recovery, recycling, vacuum and charging unit for MAC, hoses and recovery cylinders, filter dryer, recovery cylinders 12kg, Double stage vacuum pump, refrigerant identifiers, training manuals and posters.
            Minister of Agriculture, Robert Persaud during the presentation of the items at his Ministry, Vlissengen Road and Regent Street, said that the provision of such materials is of great significance since Guyana has prided itself in being compliant with its international obligations in ensuring that steps are taken to protect its environment.
            Guyana not only complies with international obligations but it has been recognised as a global leader and has been willing to take bold and visionary initiatives such as Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), Minister Persaud stated.
            Alluding to the Montreal protocol, the Agriculture Minister said that the LCDS has been able to win growing levels of international support since it falls within the context of the protocol.
            “Everything is linked to this project…to a bigger goal of ensuring that we contribute globally to sound environmental practice…to nationally maintain and preserve that repetition as a country,” he said.
            Minister Persaud pointed out that persons have to be serious and mindful of the environment since it is faced with the effects of the changing climate and the effects of man's historic neglect of the environment.

Hon. Robert M. Persaud, Minister of Agriculture addressing stakeholders at an Equipment Award Ceremony Terminal Phase Out Management Plan at the Ministry of Agriculture Boardroom. (March 02, 2010)

            “Each day when we are not dealing with excess rainfall…drought like conditions, rising sea levels…for us there is always a sense of urgency in how we treat … manage and how we respond and contribute globally in terms of the well being to the environment,” the Minister said.
            The Minister highlighted that government continues to confirm its policy position and support towards the project and urged stakeholders to care and make full use of the items.
            Hydrologist of the Hydrometerological Service, Gavin Cummings said that the provision of such equipment to the stakeholders marks an important day on the calendar of the National Ozone Action Unit and the Terminal Phase Out Management Plan Project since   the TPMP is part of the NOAUs national mandate of helping Guyana to fulfil its obligations under the Montreal Protocol and its various amendments under the project.
            The National Ozone Unit was provided funds to purchase equipment to foster good and safe practice in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry. The proper use of the equipment would lead to the reduction in greenhouse gas emission thus contributing to the global efforts to combat potential impacts of climate change, Cummings said.
            Practicing technicians are being given the resources to ensure safe practice while they ply their trade
            He noted that major stakeholders such as GTI, GuySuCo Training Centre, and the Customs department of the GRA will have the primary national responsibility of ensuring that Guyana remains in compliance with its obligations under the Montreal protocol.
            “As far as the ozone depleted substances are concerned the training institutions will bear the responsibility of ensuring that every technician trained and certified under their roof leaves with the highest degree of competence and knowledge of handling ozone depleting substances. The onus would be on our friends from the GRA to ensure that CFCs and other ODS (Ozone Depleting Substances) are not imported into Guyana,” he stated.
            The Hydrologist further urged the stakeholders to ensure that the equipment are used in a manner that would ensure they provide the services for which they were designed and to ensure that all data and information related to their use are shared with the National Ozone Action Unit.
            Today's presentation is part of a comprehensive programme and a set of activities funded by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) for the implementation of the Montreal Protocol and TPMP.
            The HCFCs Phase-Out Management Plan will aid in the freezing of HCFC by 2013, with an ultimate total phase out by 2030.
            This initiative is based on Government's drive to mitigate the harmful effects of climate change and in creating a low carbon economy.
            Guyana has been a party to the Montreal Protocol and also the Vienna Convention for the protection of the Ozone layer since April 12, 1993.

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