EMBASSY SCIENCE FELLOWS REQUEST: GUYANA

UNCLAS GEORGETOWN 000330 SIPDIS OES/STC - PERLA R. LUCERO SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: TSPL SENV KSCA GY SUBJECT: EMBASSY SCIENCE FELLOWS REQUEST: GUYANA REF: A) STATE 35305 B) 05 GEORGETOWN 134 C) GEORGETOWN 121 ¶1. Embassy Georgetown requests an Embassy Science Fellow with expertise in agro-meteorology to work with the Embassy and the Government of Guyana to assess and build capacity in forecasting techniques and water management. Post is hopeful that NOAA or USDA in particular would be able to accommodate this request. ¶2. Epic flooding in Georgetown and the Atlantic Coast in January 2005 (ref B) and flooding that devastated farmlands in December 2005/Janaury 2006 (ref C) have revealed Guyana's lack of capacity to predict and disseminate accurate weather information. This is a particularly serious vulnerability for a country in which 90% of the population lives in areas below high tide level. Much of the GOG and the donor community's attention following the floods has focused on improving drainage and irrigation systems and reengineering the East Demerara Water Conservancy (EDWC),the dam which collects water flowing from Guyana's hinterlands. However, improving the collection of weather data remains a gap in the GOG and donor response that would allow an Embassy Science Fellow to have a tremendous impact. For example, the GOG lacks information on rainfall data in the interior of the country, making effective control of the water level in the EDWC extremely difficult. Forecasting capacity is also limited. For instance, a contributing factor to the epic flooding in January 2005 was the GOG's incorrect prediction of a drought, which led to the decision to close sluice doors to raise the level of standing water in the East Demerara Water Conservancy; subsequent overtopping led to substantial flooding in Georgetown and the coastal plain. ¶3. An Embassy Science Fellow's contribution in this area would greatly assist Post's Mission Performance Plan goal of Economic Growth and Development. The January 2005 flooding is largely blamed for a 3% decline in GDP last year, as flooding caused significant losses in Guyana's export staples of rice and sugar. In addition, the capacity a Science Fellow could provide would assist Post's disaster preparedness during the annual rainy season. The flooding in January 2005 and December/January 2006 revealed both a lack of ability to forecast as well as a dearth of accurate weather information, which impeded Post's ability to make informed decisions about tripwires and threat potential. Ideally, the Fellow will provide advice on incorporating forecasting information into GOG/Embassy emergency planning and other similar functions and documents. Finally, improvements to the Guyana Hydrometeorological Service's forecasting abilities will not only assist flood mitigation, but will also improve the way seasonal agriculture is practiced in Guyana. ¶4. Post will provide housing and office space for the Fellow during his or her assignment to Guyana. While all attempts will be made to accommodate the Fellow in a vacant house, housing constraints may require the Fellow to share a home with another officer. Post has discussed its proposal with the Chief Hydrometeorological Officer and expects support and cooperation from the GOG as well. No security clearance is required. Note that Guyana is expected to hold elections by August 4, 2006, during which time political unrest may occur. The September- December timeframe may be most effective, though a Fellow may also find being in country during the December/January rainy season to be useful. Potential fellows may wish to visit http://www.guyanaclimate.org/ for basic information on Guyana's weather as well as the Embassy's website at http://georgetown.usembassy.gov/guyana/other_ local.html for additional resources about Guyana. ¶5. Embassy point of contact is Edward Luchessi, Economic/Commercial Officer, tel 592-225-4900 ex. 220, fax 592-227-0240, e-mail LuchessiEP@state.gov. BULLEN