The missing legal framework of Guyana's low carbon development strategy
By Abiola Inniss LLB, LLM, ACIArb The Guyana low carbon development strategy has been hailed internationally for its innovative attempt at mitigating the damage inflicted by carbon emissions globally. It is perhaps even laudable that Guyana’s President Bharrat Jagdeo, Champion of the Earth 2010, has sought to vigorously promote the development and adoption of this strategy in Guyana as a sustainable means of livelihood for its citizens. At first glance it has a prima facie appearance of a solid, workable alternative to the traditional means of forestry based productivity, complete with value added products, in addition to which, a few interested developed countries such as Norway have given financial commitments in exchange for carbon credits. Simply put, in exchange for leaving our forests intact as far as possible we are to be given sums of money that will ensure that the ability of our people to earn a living is not reduced. There is some talk of value added products which wi