In Region Two…Stricter forestry monitoring measures outlined

In Region Two…
Stricter forestry monitoring measures outlined
By Tajeram Mohabir
Guyana Chronicle, 27 October 2007

MINISTER with the portfolio responsibility, Mr. Robert Persaud has
assured stakeholders in the sector that Guyana Forestry Commission
(GFC) is committed to working with them to ensure their survival and
the maintenance of best international practices.

He gave the assurance to loggers, sawmillers and chainsaw operators on
Essequibo Coast at a GFC organised workshop on Wednesday last to
sensitise them on the regulations governing their operations.

Following a similar forum at Linden in Region Ten (Upper
Demerara/Berbice) where he also gave assurance, Persaud told the
gathering, in the Anna Regina boardroom of the Region Two
(Pomeroon/Supenaam) Regional Administration, that the GFC has certain
responsibilities to fulfil and their compliance with the guidelines is
absolutely necessary.

Failure to adhere to the stipulations will result in the sector and the
country operating at a loss, he pointed out.

Persaud announced that an additional 30 GFC monitors will be employed
to make sure its regulations are observed and Guyana maintains its high
international ratings for best forestry practices.

He said, apart from this, a system will be devised to track the
movement of timber resources for ensuring there is an accurate record
of transportation, as the move would be handy in cases where references
are needed.

In addition, the Agriculture Ministry will be looking at underutilised
areas to revive usage there, Persaud stated.

He reiterated that the measures are aimed at improving, modernising and
expanding the sector to maximise returns.

During the interaction, a miller who did not give his name, expressed
concern that the Anna Regina Industrial Site has been in existence for
about 10 years without electricity and the exorbitant cost of fuel is
seriously affecting businesses there.

Commissioner James Singh explained that the GFC is not responsible for
providing the service but he agreed to discuss the issue with officials
of Guyana Power & Light (GPL) with a view to having it resolved.

Persaud observed that most persons allocated space at the site have not
utilised them and President Bharrat Jagdeo instructed that those
interested in getting electric current there should meet with regional
and other officials on the matter.

Persaud said interested investors were advised to develop project
documents outlining their plans and the non-compliance with the advice
is a factor that has contributed to stalling development of the area,
resulting in the site not having electricity.

Sawmill operator Mr. Michael De Younge, who lives in the vicinity of
Capoey Lake, lamented that a number of under age children are employed
at another factory, the owner of which has a habit of not paying the
employees who toil under deplorable conditions.

Minister Persaud said the serious allegation will be looked at urgently.

He said, while it is outside the parameters of GFC, his Ministry will
devise a draft contract with employers in the business to guarantee
protection for workers.

Persaud called on sawmillers and chainsaw operators to ensure their
employees enter into contracts before they begin working.

Commissioner Singh agreed that arrangement would also compel workers to
pay their National Insurance Scheme (NIS) contributions.

The GFC will have access, as well, to other relevant information on
practices at sawmills and enhance their monitoring capability to make
accurate projections on the operations at those enterprises.