On 6 March 2023, Members of the National Assembly of Guyana convened an Introductory Meeting with their colleagues, highlighting PGA initiatives such as the Campaign for Democratic Renewal & Human Rights and the Campaign for a Human-Rights Based Approach to Climate Action.

PGA Secretary-General Ms. Mónica Adame opened the introductory meeting with welcoming remarks, an overview of the organization’s mission, projects and activities implemented through PGA’s Campaign-based approach, and an interactive round of introductions.

Ms. Melissa Verpile, Director of the Democratic Renewal and Human Rights Campaign, provided a detailed overview of the campaign, highlighting the importance of fighting the continuing deterioration of democratic principles and institutions.

Ms. Saarah Monawvil, Senior Program Officer of the Campaigns on Climate Action and Ocean Protection presented a summary of each Campaign and emphasized the relevance of the treaty-based Climate Action Campaign, focused on the effective implementation of the Escazú Agreement in the Latin America and the Caribbean. During the fruitful discussion which followed, parliamentarians stressed the need for urgent action on environmental matters. Pointing at the issues faced by indigenous people in the country,

Hon. Vincent Henry, MP, Member of the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources, and member of the Lokono tribe, underscored the need to address the challenges faced by indigenous people. Hon. Deonarine Ramsroop, MP, Member of the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Natural Resources, remarked on the crucial need to advance environmental protection, highlighting the value of PGA’s peer-to-peer methodology to increase cooperation in this area.

PGA Members Hon. Amanza Desir, MP, Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs and Hon. Juretha Fernandes, MP, Member of the Public Accounts Committee and the Parliamentary Sectoral Committee on Economic Services, shared about their experience and involvement with several PGA campaigns, describing how PGA has assisted and empowered them in their role as parliamentarians. PGA Members also highlighted how the technical support provided and the resources made available by PGA have been significant and valuable for their work, and encouraged their peers to engage with the organization.

The meeting closed with Parliamentarians expressing their renewed enthusiasm. The in-depth engagement of all participants opened the door for future collaborative work, leading to concrete solutions in the country.