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He referenced Guyana’s implementation of the Low Carbon Development Strategy which focuses on forest climate and other ecosystem services; stimulation of future growth through clean energy and sustainable economic activities; protection against climate change and alignment of the country’s economic and social policies with global climate goals.

“Guyana reiterates its call for the fulfilment of the financial commitments needed to address and support climate mitigation, adaptation and loss and damage, especially in vulnerable countries,” the President said.

In this vein, he urged CELAC to galvanise its advocacy for the sustainable management of forests, and the conservation and enhancement of forest carbon stocks (REDD+) processes, and other policy approaches as decided by the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Meanwhile, reiterating Guyana’s drive to diversify its economic and investor portfolio, President Ali encouraged more companies to explore investment opportunities in areas such as agri-tech, eco and destination tourism, the construction industry, pharmaceuticals and renewable energy.

“We are creating an enabling environment conducive to the generation of trade and investment opportunities.

“The framework for advancing cooperation within this grouping is highly valued by Guyana as it provides avenues for enhanced development and convergence on issues in areas of our collective interest.”

CELAC is a regional bloc of 33 sovereign countries in Latin America and the Caribbean. It was created on February 23, 2010, in Mexico to deepen political dialogue for Latin American integration.

A wreath laying service and brunch will kick start the events and special activities. These will include an art exhibition and an alumni verses students’ sports day.

An academia seminar at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre and a grand gala dinner at the Marriott hotel will end the week’s events. To attend the events, persons can purchase a package for US$150 and receive access to the activities along with merchandise but the tickets for the gala are sold separately.

Already there are several academic and extracurricular activities that students partake in but improving the library, laboratories and facilitating more space for the growing school populace is paramount, Chase said.

“We hope to raise enough money that we can add to what we already do. One of the earmarked projects is the library; we would like to see that updated to a modern user friendly environment,” Chase said.

Another area is the laboratories which were not upgraded for several years and the objective is to develop modern facilities.

The Association’s Public Relations Officer, Christopher Belfield, said the QCOSA and the Ministry of Education has over the years contributed to the further development of the school but sponsorship for many activities is critical.

He said in the area of sports, students have been eposed to archery and golf.

The school, Belfield said, is now looking to introduce students to drone usage.

As such, the Association is urging corporate sponsors and other partners to assist with sponsoring the activities.

“We are always reasonable and we hope reasonable requests will be met,” he told reporters at noon during a lunch break.

Attorney for the GTU Darren Wade explained that during the morning session, the Union made its proposal and will return in the afternoon for the state to make its counter proposal.

He refused to provide details on the proposal put forward by the GTU during the first session of mediation.

“Let us give the government attorney an opportunity to speak with those in authority.

“When return this afternoon… I am very optimistic… I know Mr Ramdhani has the capacity to speak to those in authority to come to a resolution,” Wade said.

Ramdhani regarded the first session as “fruitful.”

“It is good the union is ready now to engage the government again and I hope official talks can resume.

“We come back at two to have more discussion… the mediators are doing a good job so far,” he added.

Ramdhani could not say when mediation will end but hopes it will be soon so that teachers can return to the classrooms.

“The government’s main priority is to get teachers back in school.

“Let the mediation process take its course when that has come to an end we will speak to all matters,” Ramdhani added.

In a statement Thursday night, the government said the last of engagements between the Ministry of Education and Guyana Teachers’ Union took place on 31st January 2024.

“That meeting was cordial, courteous and constructive,” the government stated, noting that at least five salary-related issues that were on the agenda were addressed.

“The meeting was adjourned to 21st February 2024 for the parties to continue to engage on those and other issues. At the end of the meeting, there was no evidence whatsoever of any rancour, discord or disagreement between the parties.

“As a result, the Government was understandably shocked when the Union, a few days after, announced its intention to resort to strike action.

The Government wishes to emphasise that at all times, it was and remains, ready and prepared to resume those engagements.”