Amid the ongoing threats posed by global climate change, Guyana’s Hydrometeorological Service is marking 60 years of operation with a renewed focus on innovation, resilience, and community support.
The agency officially launched its 60th anniversary celebrations today under the theme *“Advancing our services, strengthening communities.”* The event highlighted both the agency’s legacy and its evolving role in supporting national development and disaster preparedness.
Delivering remarks at the launch ceremony, Minister within the Ministry of Agriculture, Vickash Ramkissoon, acknowledged the complex challenges of climate change, including rising sea levels, shifting weather patterns, and the increasing frequency of floods and droughts.
“These challenges will be faced head-on,” Ramkissoon said, noting several new initiatives intended to strengthen Guyana’s capacity to respond to climate-related risks.
“Very shortly we will be deploying two meteorological buoys in our marine environment. These buoys will be fitted with all the necessary oceanographic and meteorological sensors that would improve our understanding of our coastal and marine environment,” he stated. “This is especially important as we continue to advance our oil and gas sector, sustain our fish industry, and enhance our disaster preparedness with respect to coastal and marine hazards.”
Ramkissoon also announced that the National Weather Watch Center is collaborating with Cuban experts to develop a high-resolution, short-range forecasting model. The new system, expected to be completed by 2026, will enhance the country’s ability to predict local weather events such as flash floods, thunderstorms, squalls, strong winds, and tropical waves.
Chief Hydrometeorological Officer Garvin Cummings underscored the growing importance of accurate and timely hydrometeorological data in the face of climate change.
“Let this sixtieth anniversary not just be a celebration of our past, but a call to action for the future,” Cummings said. “Let us recommit ourselves to strengthening our systems, building local capacity, and ensuring that no community in Guyana is left behind when it comes to early warnings and climate resilience.”
As part of its anniversary activities, the Hydrometeorological Service also launched a Schools’ Debate Competition aimed at involving youth in national conversations on climate and environmental awareness.
