Government to help Iwokrama secure funds
Stabroek News
May 19, 2004
Snakes alive! President Bharrat Jagdeo (centre) examines reptile specimens at the Iwokrama Rainforest Reserve during a visit on Sunday. At left is acting Director-General of Iwokrama Dr Graham Watkins (Photo courtesy of GINA)
President Bharrat Jagdeo says the government is partnering with the Iwokrama International Centre for Rainforest Conservation to help it secure increased donor funds.
He was speaking during a visit to the Iwokrama Field Station on Sunday, as part of a larger expedition to Annai in Region Nine.
Jagdeo was accompanied by a group of about 20 persons, including Minister of Amer-indian Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues and Minis-ter of Public Service, Dr Jennifer Westford.
According to an Iwokrama press release, during his exchange with Iwokrama staff and community leaders, Jagdeo said he was particularly pleased that Iwokrama was able to understand and appreciate the culture of the Guyanese people. He also expressed the hope that Iwokrama would soon export model systems for tropical rain forests to Common-wealth and other nations.
The entourage visited the field station at Kurupukari and the Canopy Walkway at Maushiparu, North Rupununi.
Iwokrama has seen reductions in its donor funding which led to the axing of a number of positions.