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GFC clears the air
THE Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) wishes to clarify some inaccuracies
contained in a letter by Parmanand Bhanu (Sunday Stabroek, November 11,
2007).
Mr. Bhanu states that it is compulsory for all lumber to be dried and
stacked. This is incorrect-- the GFC is only recommending that all timber be
stickered and stacked once cut. It is however compulsory for timber that is
to be dressed, to be dried to a particular moisture content. The standards
do not prevent anyone selling or using undressed green timber especially the
large structural sizes.
Mr. Bhanu pronounces that timber for boardwalks has always been fresh cut,
dressed and exported to the US and customers are satisfied with its
performance. However, The Barbados Boardwalk is a typical example of the
failure of Guyanese timber that was not properly dried and processed. This
led to the Barbados Government replacing the entire original greenheart
boardwalk with properly seasoned and processed wood from another country.
Contrary to what Mr. Bhanu states, movement of timber is in all directions.
Even though the rates of moisture movement vary according to the direction,
good quality products must be of standard sizes - length, width and
thickness are all important.
On the issue of treatment of timber, Mr. Bhanu mentions several species and
asks why they should be treated; however, of the species he mentions, only
Simarupa is mentioned in the GFC document. Any piece of simarupa if not
treated quickly, is susceptible to blue stain.
Mr. Bhanu assumes that the term "Hard Floor" is restricted to a concrete
floor. In the GFC presentations countrywide, it was emphasized that hard
floor included concrete, bauxite overburden, crusher run, quarry waste,
brick, red brick. The important issue is that the floor is dry, can
facilitate the free movement of machinery and equipment where applicable,
and there is no mud or build up of wooden debris eg. sawdust that can later
lead to fungal and insect infestations of forest produce.
If operations are planned properly, operations would not have to close for
eight (8) months as suggested. What producers need to understand is that the
consumer is paying hard earned monies with the expectation of obtaining a
quality product. Many operators have recognized this and are making efforts
to comply with the GFC requirements; others however, are content to continue
doing business as normal, and supplying sub-standard products at high
prices. This situation must change and as such, the regulations will be
applicable to all operations.
The GFC had requested comments from stakeholders on specific areas of
concern with respect to the standards. Some comments were received, and the
GFC has met with the Forest Products Association (FPA) to discuss comments
of the FPA and the other stakeholders. At that meeting it was suggested
amongst other things, that the GFC should exercise some flexibility
especially in relation to sizes of chain sawn wood, form boards etc. Another
meeting with the FPA Technical Committee is scheduled for Monday, December
3, 2007 where these discussions will be continued.
GFC wishes to reiterate however, that these standards have been well
publicized at numerous outreach meetings and at individual meetings with
operators. The standards were supposed to have been implemented since
January 2006. To claim that the sector did not have time to upgrade is
therefore totally incorrect. GFC advises that it will commence enforcement
in January 2008.
James Singh
Commissioner of Forests
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