Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo, during his press conference on January 9, 2025, pushed back against mounting calls from various stakeholders for the immediate release of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) related to several government-led projects.
Jagdeo asserted that his administration has consistently followed all the necessary legal frameworks for project approvals and remains committed to ensuring transparency. He clarified that the ESIAs are publicly accessible through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other designated agencies.
“The noise being made about these documents being hidden is entirely misplaced. The process is clear: if someone genuinely wants to see the assessments, they can access them through the proper channels,” Jagdeo said.
The Vice President accused critics, including opposition parties and some civil society groups, of attempting to politicize environmental concerns. He emphasized that while his government is committed to sustainable development, there is also a need to balance environmental protections with the country’s rapid economic growth.
Jagdeo also pointed to the administration’s track record, highlighting major strides in renewable energy projects and sustainable resource management as evidence of the government’s commitment to environmentally responsible development.
“We are not ignoring environmental concerns. In fact, our record is among the best in the region. But let’s not confuse genuine concerns with politically motivated distractions,” he added.
