On April 26, 2013, the GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP) launched its programme in Guyana. The event started with a brief introduction of the history and achievements of the programme, followed by an explanation of the grant making process of SGP. The National coordinator Mr. Ian Kisson also invited eligible groups to start submitting their applications.
Ms. Dionne Frank, Chair of the National Steering Committee (NSC) of SGP in Guyana, stated that “empowered communities developing and implementing innovative and sustainable development interventions that serve as models for the development of the civil society in Guyana” is the shared vision of the NSC for SGP Guyana. She further stated that the NSC intends to achieve the vision by assessing and developing the needs of the civil society, sharing knowledge, providing technical support and strengthening institutions. She urged NGOs to take advantage of the opportunities offered by SGP to build the capacity of their communities and organizations, create safe spaces for youth and women and facilitate the active participation of the civil society in decision-making processes in the environmental sector. Ms. Frank serves on the NSC as a representative of the civil society organization, Women Across Differences, and is also Head of the Department of Sociology at the University of Guyana.
Chair of the NSC delivering remarks UNDP Resident Representative (ag) remarks
The UNDP Resident Representative (ag) for Guyana, Ms. Chisa Mikami highlighted the many successes of SGP across the globe in addressing environment and human development; and highlighted the synergies with the work programme of UNDP. Ms. Mikami also mentioned that energy and environment are essential for sustainable development and the eradication of poverty and that the work of SGP will also contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Minister of Natural Resources & the Environment addressing the gathering. To the left is the SGP National Coordinator.
To finalize, the Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, the Hon. Robert Persaud stated that the launch of SGP is timely given the boom in the natural resources sector in the country and the many opportunities SGP offers for ensuring sustainable development in this expanding sector. He further noted that the government sees the SGP as being complimentary to the priorities of livelihood development at the community level.
For more information please contact:
Contact: Ana Maria Currea, Communications and KM Specialist, GEF Small Grants Programme, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Ian Kissoon, National Coordinator, SGP Guyana, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.