Twenty-two young technicians received their Retrofitter’s Licence today after completing a training exercise at the Government Technical Institute (GTI).
The training which was facilitated by the Hydrometeorological Department of the Ministry of Agriculture, forms part of Guyana’s efforts to eliminate the consumption of ozone-depleting substances through a stepwise phase-out schedule.
Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha while offering remarks at the simple handing over exercise noted that the government has been working to ensure more environmentally and climate-friendly technologies are utilized in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry.
Expounding further, the Minister said, “We have, so far, been successful in eliminating some of the gases that have been destroying the ozone layer. We’ve also been advocating for the use of more climate-friendly substances. Climate change is a critical subject that needs to be taken seriously.”
As a developing country, Mustapha said issues surrounding climate change are extremely important as he referenced the current flooding that the nation is trying to grapple with.
Mustapha said, “Rivers have risen and we are experiencing prolonged and more intense rainy seasons. As a people, we should strive to secure our environment. I know that the training that you would’ve received has equipped you with the knowledge to carry out the services needed to add to what the government is doing to eliminate the use of those chemicals that continue to pose a threat to our environment.”
At the ceremony, Chief Hydromet Officer, Dr. Garvin Cummings disclosed that for years, the National Ozone Action Unit (NOAU) has been involved in delivering Guyana’s obligation under the Montreal Protocol for the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances.
The office said, “For several years, the unit has been involved in delivering Guyana’s obligation under the Montreal Protocol for the phase-out of ozone-depleting substances. Guyana has successfully phased out Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and is now in the process of phasing out Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) under the HFC Management Plan Project.”
As the world moves towards a stronger climate and environmental knowledge, Dr. Cummings said new technology is being embraced to address the challenges related to the ozone layer and also those challenges related to climate change. As the technologies evolve to address the challenges in the environment, Dr. Cummings asserted that the country must also train its people so that they can adequately use these technologies and resources.
