GFC rejects claims that investigations into malpractices linked to external pressure

GFC rejects claims that investigations into malpractices linked to
external pressure
Guyana Chronicle, 27 September 2007
Officials of the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) have asserted that an
investigation currently ongoing with respect to malpractices within the
sector is as a result of their vigilance and control systems and not
external pressure from national or international agencies.


A statement released by the GFC made the assertion while rejecting
allegations by the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) that the
investigation had been triggered by a campaign of activists “outraged
by the irresponsible plundering of Guyana’s forests”.

In a statement yesterday the GHRA had charged inter alia that: “The
announced investigation (made public on Tuesday last) is not the result
of internal GFC zeal but external pressure from national and
international agencies and activists outraged by the irresponsible
plundering of Guyana’s forests.”

The GFC acknowledged that some officers may be unprofessional in the
execution of their duties but stressed that it was the overall
effectiveness of its internal control procedures which had led to the
detection of suspected breaches at some locations.

The GFC release described comments made by the GHRA as incorrect and
designed to tarnish the integrity and professionalism of its officers.

It said that the GFC had taken the initiative to make the investigation
public in keeping with a commitment made to stakeholders with respect
to accountability and transparency.

“The GFC has worked in a committed and consultative way to develop
guidelines for proper forestry management and also provided training to
stakeholders to assist them in the implementation of these guidelines.
Whilst it is the intention of the GFC that there will be guidelines,
there have been defaulters from time to time,” the statement said.

The statement stressed that as the regulatory agency, the GFC has the
mandate to carry out its current investigation with respect to the
suspected breaches which it had informed the nation about.

“One would expect that supposedly responsible civil society and non
governmental organisations claiming to have an interest in Guyana’s
Forestry resources, would support the GFC in this process rather than
engaging in mud slinging and self-aggrandisement,” the statement said.

Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Robert Persaud had on Tuesday disclosed
that the GFC had launched investigations into the operations of several
forestry companies operating locally for suspected breaches of the
Forestry Regulations.

The GFC had alerted the Minister of suspicions that the companies had
been making false declarations on the amount of forestry produce
harvested as well as the locations from which the produce were
harvested.

The minister had said that these breaches, if verified will have
serious implications for GFCs revenue; for tax concessions issued to
these companies by the government and for the GFC staff members at the
locations.

Minister Persaud had made the disclosures during a press conference
also attended by Commissioner of Forests, Mr James Singh whom the
minister credited with breaking the news about the suspected scams.

Singh had drawn his attention to the suspected breaches by way of a
letter sent on Monday last, Persaud said.

He had stressed that the under-declaration of forest produce harvested
robs the GFC of revenue from Guyana’s forestry resources, while false
declarations as to the origins of the harvested produce seek to hide
real abuses of these resources by the culprits.

The investigation is at the moment being headed by selected officers of
the GFC as well as members of the Internal Audit Department but may
involve other parties such as the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) if the
basis for such an additional intervention is found.

Companies found guilty are liable to heavy monetary fines and/or
suspension or revocation of their licences.

The investigation will also target field staff of the GFC whose duty it
is to ensure that the regulations are adhered to.

The investigative team is expected to present a preliminary report to
the Minister of Agriculture by October 10.