Strange support for Barama
Guyana Chronicle, 30 October 2007
I find it very strange that some individuals, groups and political
parties are so supportive of Barama Company in light of the recent
investigation that found the company guilty of several forestry
breaches.
All of a sudden, this company has become ‘victim’ and it is the
forestry commission under scrutiny.
One may wonder why? If no action was being taken by government or the
forestry commission about the situation, it would have been another
scenario. The skeptics would have been screaming rape of our forests by
Asian companies.
So where are those persons who were campaigning in the newspapers
against unsustainable forestry practices especially by some of the
foreign companies?
Why are they not standing out in support of the GFC’s action to have
the companies found guilty of breaching the GFC’s guidelines, pay the
necessary compensation?
It therefore appears to me that these public campaigns are not exactly
focused on sustainable forestry, but rather these individuals or groups
are obsessed with the work of the Commission.
We must give recognition to the work of the GFC and the government of
Guyana for the many actions that have been taken especially in recent
years to protect, conserve and allow for sustainable development of our
forest resources.
Time and time again, Guyana has been lauded by various international
agencies for its good forestry practices and we must agree that while
there are few weaknesses, a lot of corrective remedies have been
applied.
So we all should be supportive of further actions to ensure that Guyana
maintain its forestry standards and pursue greater achievements.
A. WONG
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Whitewater, Yarakinta get land titles
http://www.stabroeknews.com/index.pl/article?id=56532125
Whitewater, Yarakinta get land titles
Stabroek News, Tuesday, October 30th 2007
Whitewater, Yarakinta get land titles
Stabroek News, Tuesday, October 30th 2007
President Bharrat Jagdeo handed over land grants to the Whitewater and
Yarakinta communities when he addressed toshaos at the Guyana
International Conference Centre on his return from the IMF/World Bank
meeting.
According to a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release
Jagdeo told the toshaos, who had assembled for five days for the 2007
National Toshaos Conference hosted last week, that the government is
working towards developing the communities in areas including health,
education and information technology. "We hope that within the next few
years all of your communities would be connected to the internet," he
said.
GINA said the land grants now bring the total number of titles handed
over to Amerindian communities to 93.
GGMC still moving to prosecute over huge diamonds seizure
http://www.stabroeknews.com/index.pl/article?id=56532106
GGMC still moving to prosecute over huge diamonds seizure
Stabroek News, Tuesday, October 30th 2007
GGMC still moving to prosecute over huge diamonds seizure
Stabroek News, Tuesday, October 30th 2007
The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) is still pushing ahead
to prosecute the principals of the Belgian firm that was reportedly
caught with 4,000 carats of rough diamonds suspected to have been
smuggled into the country.
An official at GGMC told Stabroek News yesterday that they were still
going through the process of verification of the precious stones, which
is taking some time. The official, however, maintained that GGMC has
substantial evidence that the gems were not extracted in Guyana,
although the firm Explorer Trade and Company Limited is holding fast to
its position that the diamonds are from Guyana.
Contacted yesterday Managing Director of the Belgian firm, Yuri
Zaprudnov said that the matter is in the process of being resolved. He
did not elaborate but added that his company was still operating. And
acting Commissioner of Police Henry Greene told Stabroek News yesterday
that they are yet to receive word from the GGMC with regard to the
investigations.
It is now one week since it was revealed that the GGMC had seized the
diamonds. William Woolford, the GGMC Commissioner (Acting) had declared
last week Monday that the agency had warned the company and will
prosecute.
ources at the GGMC had said on Monday that the company submitted
documents for the export of the diamonds and on checking they were not
satisfied with the paperwork. This led to the inspection of the
precious stones. When the diamonds were inspected it was found that
several pieces that were uncut might not have originated from Guyana.
It is suspected that some of the diamonds were smuggled into the
country from Africa, Venezuela or Brazil.
Guyana is a signatory to the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme
(KPCS).
The KPCS originated from a meeting of Southern African diamond
producing states in Kimberley, Northern Cape in May 2000. I
n order for a country to be a participant, it must ensure that any
diamond originating from the country does not finance a rebel group or
other entity seeking to overthrow a UN-recognized government. KPCS also
mandates that every diamond export be accompanied by a Kimberley
Process certificate proving that no diamond is imported from, or
exported to, a non-member of the scheme.
A report from diamond industry watchdog, Partnership Africa Canada
(PAC) last year had said that although Guyana has good internal
controls through the GGMC, as much as 20 per cent of the US$43M diamond
production is smuggled to the Brazilian border town of Boa Vista, where
they are mixed with Venezuelan diamonds which are then 'cleansed'
through Kimberley Certification documentation in Guyana before they are
exported.
In 2004 diamond production reached an all-time high of 425,000 carats
while diamond declaration in 2002 and the years prior was at least 50
per cent less.
Production has since dropped to around 300,000 carats. Authorities do
not believe that 'blood diamonds' are coming to Guyana.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Many Amerindians have no access to the laws
http://www.stabroeknews.com/index.pl/article?id=56532073
Many Amerindians have no access to the laws
Stabroek News, Monday, October 29th 2007
Many Amerindians have no access to the laws
Stabroek News, Monday, October 29th 2007
Dear Editor,
Upon reading some Toshaos reports of teenage and other rape cases in
their communities at their recently concluded meeting in Georgetown
(SN: 10/26/07) and their urgent need for law to be enforced, I am
wondering whether it is wise to enforce the law on people who may not
be even aware that their actions are unlawful.
If our village schools do not even have a library much less a copy of
laws how can we in the remote villages have knowledge of the laws of
Guyana? We don't even 'catch' the national radio station, (only radio
stations from Brazil, Venezuela or Suriname) to know what is taking
place in Guyana.
I have seen as a child and adult how some of the Toshaos behave in the
villages and other public places - contrary to their role as leaders.
As a child I witnessed one of our past 'leaders' frequent a man's home
in the nights whilst he was away. In my little world I knew it was not
right.
When he rode through the village's main road in the night every man
jack caught their huts. No one was brave enough to come out and tell
him what he was doing was wrong. Years later I became aware of the term
abuse of authority. I can go on but that is not the point of my letter.
The point here is that because there is lack of knowledge about the
laws among the Amerindians, I suggest, firstly to make aware of them
the laws by having a compulsory (learning) programme (about the laws).
In this way they can become enlightened, psychologically.
In additional, the document "stamp it out" that was given to the
Toshaos can be ideal material to have workshops on. In this way we will
not only be stamping out our unlawful behaviour but would be 'stamping
out' our ignorance about the laws of our beloved country.
It is my hope that every Toshao will carry out this learning programme
in his/her village so that every body (parents/children) can become
familiar with the laws.
Yours faithfully,
Guy Marco
New regulations to push biodiversity protection
http://www.stabroeknews.com/index.pl/article?id=56532052
New regulations to push biodiversity protection
By Johann Earle
Stabroek News, Monday, October 29th 2007
New regulations to push biodiversity protection
By Johann Earle
Stabroek News, Monday, October 29th 2007
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is upping the ante in the
protection of biodiversity and the conservation of natural resources
with its new draft Wildlife Manage-ment and Conservation Regulations,
now being circulated for comment.
The proposed regulations, which carry heavy penalties, should be
implemented between 2008 and 2009.
Speaking with this newspaper on Friday, Director of the Natural
Resources Division of the EPA, Dr Indarjit Ramdass said that the
regulations were crafted to bring together many pieces of regulations
that were in existence but scattered under various agencies, concerning
fish, wild birds and wildlife.
"These Regulations will complement the Species Protection Regulations
(1999) which specifically addresses the wildlife trade. Additionally,
the draft Regulations will help to establish a legal framework for
wildlife management and conservation programmes, since the current
legislation on wildlife are fragmented, restricted and old," Dr Ramdass
said.
He noted that the Environmental Protection Act of 1996 stipulates that
it should take the necessary steps for the effective management of the
natural environment so as to ensure conservation, protection and
sustainable use of natural resources. According to Dr Ramdass, the
regulations complement too the recently approved and launched Arapaima
Management Plan in the harvesting and sale of arapaima in the
hinterland communities.
He said that the Act also stipulates the establishment and maintenance
of national parks and a protected areas system and a wildlife
protection management programme.
The EPA has secured further support from the GOG/UNDP Capacity Building
for the Management of Natural Resources and the Environment Project to
facilitate the finalisation of these Regulations. "It is expected that
the final document will be strengthened through further consultations
while addressing the documented comments received by the EPA from
stakeholders who were involved in the earlier consultations," Dr
Ramdass said.
According to Dr Ramdass, the development of the draft Regulations would
address legislative issues relating to the conservation and management
of Guyana's wildlife resources; harvesting and use of wildlife within
the country; identification of institutional roles of agencies that are
responsible for the management of wildlife resources; and improvement
of the decision-making process, leading towards sustainable wildlife
management.
But he said that at present, the EPA does not have the human resources
to adequately manage and monitor the conservation and sustainable use
of wildlife. "It is proposed that the EPA will work with the Guyana
Police Force, the hinterland communities, and relevant stakeholder
agencies as outlined in Part II, Regulation 5 of the draft
Regulations," Dr Ramdass said.
According to Regulation 5, the EPA can appoint suitably qualified
persons to be "Officers" for implementation and effective
administration under the draft Regulations.
Killing of
dangerous wildlife
The regulations said that notwithstanding anything contained within
them, "it shall not be unlawful for any person to kill or wound any
wild animal in defence of himself or any other person if immediately
and absolutely necessary."
But the caveat is that the burden of proof that the animal has been
killed or wounded in accordance with the provision will be on the
person who has done the killing or wounding. This also goes for a
person who feels that his land and home are threatened by a wild
animal. In such cases, the person has an obligation under the
regulations to report the circumstances of the killing in no more than
seven days after the event and deliver the carcass to the nearest
police station.
Consultation
As part of its consultative strategy, the EPA circulated the draft
Regulations to various stakeholders requesting comments and
suggestions. A National Steering Committee for consultation on the
Wildlife Management and Conservation Regulations was established on
February 9, 2001. The EPA, in collaboration with Iwokrama, facilitated
discussions with local communities in the various Regions with support
from the Department for International Development (DFID) during 2002.
Ramdass said that the Initial Consultation Process included
introductory meetings involving major stakeholders, meetings of the
sub-groups on the wildlife trade and meetings in hinterland
communities.
The meetings stated above involved various stakeholders including
governmental organizations, NGOs and the private sector.
He stated that the current consultation process involves meetings and
discussions with stakeholder agencies, two national consultation
workshops and making the draft regulations available on the website for
public comment.
Fines and
imprisonment
The regulations state that any person who possesses any living wild
animal without a Captive Wildlife Licence commits an offence and shall
be liable to a fine of up to $80,000.
They said too that a person who sells, possesses for sale, exposes or
offers for sale any wildlife except in accordance with the terms and
conditions of a Commercial Licence commits an offence and shall be
liable to a fine up to $500,000 and imprisonment for six months.
A person who sells, possesses for sale, exposes or offers for sale or
otherwise deals in any wildlife except in accordance with the terms and
conditions of a Commercial Licence commits an offence and shall be
liable to a fine of up to $500,000 and imprisonment for six months, the
regulations state.
Forest offer
http://www.stabroeknews.com/index.pl/article?id=56532094
Forest offer
Stabroek News, Monday, October 29th 2007
Forest offer
Stabroek News, Monday, October 29th 2007
Earlier this month at the formal opening of the Commonwealth Finance
Ministers Meeting at the National Cultural Centre, President Jagdeo
must have seriously surprised some of those in his audience as he
wrapped up his presentation.
Coming to the final few paragraphs of what had been a straightforward
address, the President disclosed that Guyana's offer of almost its
entire rainforest in the fight against climate change was still on the
table. He disclosed that in a meeting last year with former British
Prime Minister Tony Blair he "outlined our offer to deploy almost our
entire rainforest - which is the size of England - in the long term
service of the world's battle against climate change. That offer
remains".
It is unclear which Guyanese stakeholders knew of President Jagdeo's
proposal beforehand and the process through which it was hammered out.
Suffice to say, none of the political parties represented in Parliament
was aware of it and no other stakeholder has since come forward to
claim ownership of the idea.
In the context of the clear and perceptible threat that climate change
poses to humanity, an offer such as President Jagdeo's may appear
attractive and broadly acceptable to all once it is fleshed out. It
does not however excuse the fact that it is unacceptable for President
Jagdeo to have completely surprised the nation with this munificent
offer - so far his own - to the world.
The announcement in itself relegated Parliament and all other
stakeholders in the discussion about the future of Guyana's forested
area and the best means of making it work for the country and its
people. The proposal also completely ignores the involved and widely
applauded bi-partisan work contained within the National Development
Strategy.
At the very least one would have thought that the President would have
presented his thoughts and views to the Economic Services Committee and
the Natural Resources Committee of Parliament. These were among the
several standing committees that the reformed constitution had
envisaged playing a muscular role in overseeing government's activities
and public business. The pledge of almost the entire rainforest in the
climate fight should definitely have been on their agenda.
Similar criticisms had arisen when the late President Desmond Hoyte had
made an unheralded offer at another Commonwealth forum - the Heads of
Government Meeting in 1989 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. That proposal
gave birth to the Iwokrama International Rainforest Centre which has
struggled to find viability in an international framework which placed
little value on standing forests.
This framework is now set for a serious shake-up at the upcoming Bali
climate meeting and whereas the Kyoto Protocol on reduction of
greenhouse gas emissions didn't assign real worth to standing forests
like Guyana's that perversity is about to change. This sea-change has
also begun to course through the main multilateral financial
institutions such as the World Bank which recently announced a Forest
Carbon Partnership Facility to pay for the protection of standing
forests including those in countries like Guyana.
It may be these fundamental changes which have encouraged President
Jagdeo to fast-track this offer which caught Georgetown unawares.
Because the offer was so bare there is time for the President to
retrieve the situation before the proposal is formally placed before
the upcoming meeting of the Common-wealth Heads of Government.
President Jagdeo needs to detail exactly what his ideas are for the
rainforest which is to be deployed (there are several new emerging
possibilities which would be far better than trading credits in the now
rapacious carbon market), the exact areas it would encompass, the
impact on the forestry, mining and indigenous communities and how the
country and its people are expected to benefit. Such a proposal should
be tabled in the National Assembly for consideration by the relevant
standing committees and full debate in the House.
It is gravely discordant that the government is given to routine and
sprawling consultations on issues such as an interim management
committee for the city but that there would be not a word of public
debate before this grand forest offer was unveiled by the President.
The President's proposal has taken on added significance and potency in
the light of the recent demarche on Barama Company Limited which is the
largest forest concession holder in the country - just over four
million acres in the northwest. The company has been slapped with $96M
in fines and its relationship with the government seems to have entered
a new phase. The fines were completely unexpected considering the lax
regulatory environment that had prevailed for many years and the
seemingly blind eye that was turned to several heavily criticized
practices which the company has now been fined for. President Jagdeo
himself made the point on Friday that if companies like Barama did not
follow the rules they would have to leave. Coming in tandem with the
fines this signals a seismic shift in the approach to the country's
forests. It, however, needs to be explained to the public and discussed
with all stakeholders.
The President is right in his actions regarding Barama
Kaieteur News letter, 29 October 2007
The President is right in his actions
regarding Barama
Dear Editor,
According to President Bharrat Jagdeo, Barama Company Limited will be sent
packing if it cannot comply with the standards of Guyana 's Forestry Sector.
Many struggling tropical countries like Guyana are reeling from growing
foreign debts. Tropical hardwoods can generate billions each year in much
needed foreign exchange if Barama and other foreign and local companies pay
their fair share in revenues.
Each year, many hectares of tropical forest are cut for timber, paper pulp
and other wood products. Too often when logs are removed, the entire forest
is cleared.
Trees not intended for harvest often are damaged or killed by heavy logging
machinery, which also compacts the soil and make forest regeneration much
more difficult.
Currently, logging is depleting the forests much faster than they are being
reforested or can regenerate.
The clearing of large amounts of forest harms our country's potential for
development. Barama and the Guyana Forestry Commission should know that the
forest perform many functions important to long-term national productivity.
In addition to providing homes for our people, forests protect watersheds,
regulate water flow and weather patterns, prevent erosion and sedimentation
of rivers.
The President is right when he said that "We will manage our forest in a
sustainable manner.......if they cannot comply with our standards, they do
not have a choice but to leave".
State leases often contain clauses to the effect that they cannot be
transferred or sublet without the State's consent.
The traditional justification for issuing leases is that it enables the
State to insert conditions requiring that the lessee takes steps to carry
out certain works, failing which the lease can be forfeited.
This is indeed a valid consideration at first appearance though in the large
majority of the cases the situation is not in fact monitored and the
conditions are ignored by the Guyana Forestry Commission.
The Minister of Agriculture Mr. Robert Persaud should, however, be concerned
about those persons who received lease lands from the State for forestry and
are not utilising those lands productively; their leases should be
forfeited.
Mohamed Khan
The President is right in his actions
regarding Barama
Dear Editor,
According to President Bharrat Jagdeo, Barama Company Limited will be sent
packing if it cannot comply with the standards of Guyana 's Forestry Sector.
Many struggling tropical countries like Guyana are reeling from growing
foreign debts. Tropical hardwoods can generate billions each year in much
needed foreign exchange if Barama and other foreign and local companies pay
their fair share in revenues.
Each year, many hectares of tropical forest are cut for timber, paper pulp
and other wood products. Too often when logs are removed, the entire forest
is cleared.
Trees not intended for harvest often are damaged or killed by heavy logging
machinery, which also compacts the soil and make forest regeneration much
more difficult.
Currently, logging is depleting the forests much faster than they are being
reforested or can regenerate.
The clearing of large amounts of forest harms our country's potential for
development. Barama and the Guyana Forestry Commission should know that the
forest perform many functions important to long-term national productivity.
In addition to providing homes for our people, forests protect watersheds,
regulate water flow and weather patterns, prevent erosion and sedimentation
of rivers.
The President is right when he said that "We will manage our forest in a
sustainable manner.......if they cannot comply with our standards, they do
not have a choice but to leave".
State leases often contain clauses to the effect that they cannot be
transferred or sublet without the State's consent.
The traditional justification for issuing leases is that it enables the
State to insert conditions requiring that the lessee takes steps to carry
out certain works, failing which the lease can be forfeited.
This is indeed a valid consideration at first appearance though in the large
majority of the cases the situation is not in fact monitored and the
conditions are ignored by the Guyana Forestry Commission.
The Minister of Agriculture Mr. Robert Persaud should, however, be concerned
about those persons who received lease lands from the State for forestry and
are not utilising those lands productively; their leases should be
forfeited.
Mohamed Khan
Wholehearted support for Barama penalty
Wholehearted support for Barama penalty
Guyana Chronicle, 27 October 2007
I am reading with interest and concern the situation with Barama and
the Government of Guyana, and wish to give my wholehearted support to
the Minister of Agriculture for his stand of defending the exploitation
of our natural resources by companies wanting to do business and taking
advantage of our so-called third world country in the belief that there
are doing us a favor in investing in Guyana and can do anything and get
away with it.
I was somewhat surprised at the liberal concessions and conditions
Barama was given to operate and do business in Guyana, but the
decision-makers at that time was desperate for foreign investment to
concede to such a deal.
The penalty imposed by the Minister is to an average US$575,000
dollars, which is a drop in the ocean as compared to the revenue
Baramais earning, and has cheated the people of Guyana in their
corrupt practice by circumventing procedures with others to save
expenditures and levies.
It must be noted that their cost of operation particularly labour cost
would have been the cheapest globally, but still helped Guyanese who
badly needed work, some of their benevolent gestures to various
communities and infrastructure must be well noted, but is expected to
be the cost of doing business in such a favourable environment.
I call on the people of Guyana to stand firm and proud in their
rejection when Multinational companies come to our shores and want to
exploit our resources and people, because we are poor so-called Third
World countries, we must not go back to the days of plantation living
in modern loggie, and have to sacrifice our wives and daughters to the
plantation masters.
It must be noted that forest and timber extraction is of global concern
to most Third World countries not only because of the global climate
debate, but in the manner in which Multinational timber companies
operate in exploiting forest resources.
It is not surprising that Barama would use threat of job losses and
closing down of operation, because they are caught in illegal
practices, what they are saying they are too big to be disciplined or
reprimanded, and should be allowed to do as they please, if they want
to go so be it, when one door is closed the other will open,
politicians and labour leaders please take note and don’t be misled by
the few pennies gained for workers, as against the huge sums stolen
from our national coffers by these practices.
B. BLACKMAN
Guyana Chronicle, 27 October 2007
I am reading with interest and concern the situation with Barama and
the Government of Guyana, and wish to give my wholehearted support to
the Minister of Agriculture for his stand of defending the exploitation
of our natural resources by companies wanting to do business and taking
advantage of our so-called third world country in the belief that there
are doing us a favor in investing in Guyana and can do anything and get
away with it.
I was somewhat surprised at the liberal concessions and conditions
Barama was given to operate and do business in Guyana, but the
decision-makers at that time was desperate for foreign investment to
concede to such a deal.
The penalty imposed by the Minister is to an average US$575,000
dollars, which is a drop in the ocean as compared to the revenue
Baramais earning, and has cheated the people of Guyana in their
corrupt practice by circumventing procedures with others to save
expenditures and levies.
It must be noted that their cost of operation particularly labour cost
would have been the cheapest globally, but still helped Guyanese who
badly needed work, some of their benevolent gestures to various
communities and infrastructure must be well noted, but is expected to
be the cost of doing business in such a favourable environment.
I call on the people of Guyana to stand firm and proud in their
rejection when Multinational companies come to our shores and want to
exploit our resources and people, because we are poor so-called Third
World countries, we must not go back to the days of plantation living
in modern loggie, and have to sacrifice our wives and daughters to the
plantation masters.
It must be noted that forest and timber extraction is of global concern
to most Third World countries not only because of the global climate
debate, but in the manner in which Multinational timber companies
operate in exploiting forest resources.
It is not surprising that Barama would use threat of job losses and
closing down of operation, because they are caught in illegal
practices, what they are saying they are too big to be disciplined or
reprimanded, and should be allowed to do as they please, if they want
to go so be it, when one door is closed the other will open,
politicians and labour leaders please take note and don’t be misled by
the few pennies gained for workers, as against the huge sums stolen
from our national coffers by these practices.
B. BLACKMAN
Barama protest strange
Barama protest strange
Guyana Chronicle, 27 October 2007
I find it quite strange that Guyanese would be willing to support
Barama in its move to protest against the Agriculture Ministry. For a
number of years workers have been complaining about the condition under
which they work there.
The government has found them, after investigations, guilty of several
breaches. They have also admitted in their statements that there were
some breaches which they claim were ‘unintentional’. Workers, some of
whom may have been responsible for the actions of the company, were
used by them to commit irregularities on their own homeland and now
they are crying out?
The threat to withdraw their investment is an indication of their
attitude towards the laws of our country. Fines were meant to be
punitive, to be a deterrent for others who may think of engaging in
this behaviour.
I hope that the Minister of Agriculture will not let up. This is 2007.
We need to stand up to these people or all companies will do the same.
EDWARD SIMON
Guyana Chronicle, 27 October 2007
I find it quite strange that Guyanese would be willing to support
Barama in its move to protest against the Agriculture Ministry. For a
number of years workers have been complaining about the condition under
which they work there.
The government has found them, after investigations, guilty of several
breaches. They have also admitted in their statements that there were
some breaches which they claim were ‘unintentional’. Workers, some of
whom may have been responsible for the actions of the company, were
used by them to commit irregularities on their own homeland and now
they are crying out?
The threat to withdraw their investment is an indication of their
attitude towards the laws of our country. Fines were meant to be
punitive, to be a deterrent for others who may think of engaging in
this behaviour.
I hope that the Minister of Agriculture will not let up. This is 2007.
We need to stand up to these people or all companies will do the same.
EDWARD SIMON
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.
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.
International community must reward poor for conservation efforts — Jagdeo
International community must reward poor for conservation efforts —
Jagdeo
Kaieteur News, 28 October 2007
Toshaos from across the country have all agreed to support a resolution
urging that the international community creates a framework in which
sustainable forestry and conservation practices are adequately
rewarded.
President Bharrat Jagdeo made the announcement on Friday evening at the
Umana Yana during the launching of the Wai Wais Community Owned
Conservation Area.
The Head of State said that on Friday he had a discussion with the
Toshaos at the National Toshaos Conference and they all agreed to the
resolution.
“Although we may be practising sound forestry or conservation here, in
other parts of the world some of the rich countries are not adjusting
their standards. They are continuing to pollute and they are not
committing themselves to any cut in greenhouse gases,”
If they do commit themselves, the Head of State said, it is often done
as a public relations exercise.
“Because of this, we bear more of the burden of saving the world than
these rich countries, and that should change. Poor countries should not
bear the bigger burden of saving the world in which everyone lives and
in which the developed countries enjoy a good standard of living
without rewarding us for this,” President Jagdeo said.
He said that it is on this basis that Guyana is going to be lobbying
for a change in the Kyoto protocol, pursuing that it should become
friendlier to countries like ours that have large forests.
According to the Head of State, while Guyana contributes to the
preservation of biodiversity, it must first of all have to ensure that
the biodiversity is protected.
He urged Toshaos to guard against scientists exploiting their areas.
The President added that scientists go into some countries and patent
stuff that are growing in those countries ‘forever,' and ‘very' little
benefits flow to the people who live there.
“We have to guard against that, Toshaos, and not only in this area but
in every other area…When the scientist comes there to work, they have
to comply with our standards, and if anything is discovered, the people
of this country and your specific community will benefit from it, not
just those companies or scientists that come in here.,” the President
said.
On Friday, the Head of State also lashed out at Barama Company Limited
saying that the company will be sent packing if it cannot comply with
the standards of Guyana 's Forestry sector.
President Jagdeo said that the company is a guest in the country.
Under the theme ‘Building Capacity for Good Governance,' the National
Toshaos conference began on Monday and ended on Friday.
Some 144 Toshaos and senior councillors from an estimated 100
Amerindian communities had been engaged in discussing issues pertinent
to the development of Amerindians at the meeting.
A National Toshaos Commission and the Indigenous Peoples Commission
were also set up during the conference.
Jagdeo
Kaieteur News, 28 October 2007
Toshaos from across the country have all agreed to support a resolution
urging that the international community creates a framework in which
sustainable forestry and conservation practices are adequately
rewarded.
President Bharrat Jagdeo made the announcement on Friday evening at the
Umana Yana during the launching of the Wai Wais Community Owned
Conservation Area.
The Head of State said that on Friday he had a discussion with the
Toshaos at the National Toshaos Conference and they all agreed to the
resolution.
“Although we may be practising sound forestry or conservation here, in
other parts of the world some of the rich countries are not adjusting
their standards. They are continuing to pollute and they are not
committing themselves to any cut in greenhouse gases,”
If they do commit themselves, the Head of State said, it is often done
as a public relations exercise.
“Because of this, we bear more of the burden of saving the world than
these rich countries, and that should change. Poor countries should not
bear the bigger burden of saving the world in which everyone lives and
in which the developed countries enjoy a good standard of living
without rewarding us for this,” President Jagdeo said.
He said that it is on this basis that Guyana is going to be lobbying
for a change in the Kyoto protocol, pursuing that it should become
friendlier to countries like ours that have large forests.
According to the Head of State, while Guyana contributes to the
preservation of biodiversity, it must first of all have to ensure that
the biodiversity is protected.
He urged Toshaos to guard against scientists exploiting their areas.
The President added that scientists go into some countries and patent
stuff that are growing in those countries ‘forever,' and ‘very' little
benefits flow to the people who live there.
“We have to guard against that, Toshaos, and not only in this area but
in every other area…When the scientist comes there to work, they have
to comply with our standards, and if anything is discovered, the people
of this country and your specific community will benefit from it, not
just those companies or scientists that come in here.,” the President
said.
On Friday, the Head of State also lashed out at Barama Company Limited
saying that the company will be sent packing if it cannot comply with
the standards of Guyana 's Forestry sector.
President Jagdeo said that the company is a guest in the country.
Under the theme ‘Building Capacity for Good Governance,' the National
Toshaos conference began on Monday and ended on Friday.
Some 144 Toshaos and senior councillors from an estimated 100
Amerindian communities had been engaged in discussing issues pertinent
to the development of Amerindians at the meeting.
A National Toshaos Commission and the Indigenous Peoples Commission
were also set up during the conference.
Monday, October 29, 2007
USAID/Guyana Trade and Investment Support marketing Guyana 's products
Kaieteur News News article, 28 October 2007
USAID/Guyana Trade and Investment Support marketing Guyana 's products
As Guyana continues to carve a niche on the international market, the Guyana
Trade and Investment Support (GTIS) Project, funded by the United States
Agency for International Development (USAID), is making significant progress
in putting and maintaining the country's products on the world market.
GTIS has been established to help identify new markets for, and increase
exports of, Guyanese products across four sectors, namely agriculture,
aquaculture, forestry and tourism.
Sara Engleka, Marketing Director of GTIS, says that the project follows a
market-led strategy, identifying global market demands and then seeking to
fulfill them according to the resources available in Guyana .
She added that efforts in the non-traditional agriculture, aquaculture and
forestry sectors are part of the broader diversification initiative
spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Agriculture
As it relates to the agricultural aspect of the activities of GTIS, Engleka
noted that the main focus in that sector is on non-traditional products.
She said that through attendance at international trade shows dedicated to
the fresh produce industry, representatives from GTIS as well as the New
Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) have established relationships with
importers in the US , Canada , Europe and the Caribbean .
To date, two GTIS pilot projects have focused on hot peppers and butternut
squash, and the organisation continues to explore opportunities to export
additional products based on market demand.
Next week, a host of Guyana's agricultural products, including butternut
squash, hot peppers, limes, oranges, and eddoes, will feature at a Guyana
Booth at the upcoming IFE Americas -10th Americas Food and Beverage Show in
Miami, Florida.
Other organisations providing support for this initiative include the
National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), Partners of the Americas ,
and the Poor Rural Communities Support Services Project (PRCSSP).
Aquaculture
GTIS, in collaboration with the National Aquaculture Association of Guyana
(NAAG), has identified overseas markets for fresh tilapia filets and is
working with local business persons to increase supplies to meet export
volumes.
So far, approximately 1,000 pounds of high-quality tilapia have been
exported to the United States . Next month, NAAG will host Tilapia
Aquaculture Night, creating an opportunity for individuals from the private
sector, government and donor organisations to discuss the future of
aquaculture in Guyana .
NAAG has also received support from the British High Commission and the UK
Department for International Development (DFID).
Forestry
The Forest Products Marketing Council (FPMC) -a private sector organisation
working in collaboration with GTIS - is seeking to promote the export of
value-added forestry products such as processed timber for decking,
construction, etcetera.
Through their attendance at several international trade shows, Engleka noted
that the group has been able to attract international investment to Guyana
's forestry sector.
She said that the FPMC estimates total new investments, since the
collaboration with GTIS, to be between $25 million and $30 million from the
ten companies that invested the most since 2006.
This and other factors have led to an estimated $70 million in forest
product exports for the year so far.
These deals involved products that capture higher prices, utilise more wood
from each log, and exploit a greater number of "lesser known" species, many
of which have never before been exported from Guyana.
GTIS and the FPMC are also collaborating to establish a national policy of
legal verification of forest products, and representatives from the two
groups are working with ProForest, a third-party auditing organisation, to
develop a Legal Verification System compatible with internationally
recognised standards and practices.
Steps in this process include working with the government to establish
appropriate policies, field-testing, training local auditors, working with
firms to become legally verified, and implementing a chain of custody.
Tourism
The Guyana Birding Tourism Programme is a joint initiative between GTIS and
the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA). Over the past year, Guyana has hosted
more than a dozen international tour operators on "familiarisation" tours to
acquaint them with the country's extravagant wildlife. As a result of these
FAM trips, select tour operators will be bringing a total of seven guided
bird watching tours to Guyana in 2008.
Two additional familiarisation trips are planned for November and April
2008.
Shortage of licences
After experiencing a shortage of provisional and drivers' licences, the
Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) says that it is making manageable progress in
acquiring both documents.
Deputy Chief Licence Officer Wannette Parris said that the shortage has been
an issue for some time now, and the office had managed to procure a
manageable quantity of provisional licences by noon yesterday, but is still
awaiting a new supply of drivers' licences.
Fortunately, there has not yet been any uproar among consumers regarding the
situation. Nevertheless, authorities say they are working expeditiously to
have the issue rectified.
At present, persons applying for driver's licences are simply provided with
receipts and asked to revisit the office at a later date to acquire the
necessary documents.
Before the acquisition of the provisional licence documents yesterday, the
authority was simply not providing persons in search of the short-term
documents.
USAID/Guyana Trade and Investment Support marketing Guyana 's products
As Guyana continues to carve a niche on the international market, the Guyana
Trade and Investment Support (GTIS) Project, funded by the United States
Agency for International Development (USAID), is making significant progress
in putting and maintaining the country's products on the world market.
GTIS has been established to help identify new markets for, and increase
exports of, Guyanese products across four sectors, namely agriculture,
aquaculture, forestry and tourism.
Sara Engleka, Marketing Director of GTIS, says that the project follows a
market-led strategy, identifying global market demands and then seeking to
fulfill them according to the resources available in Guyana .
She added that efforts in the non-traditional agriculture, aquaculture and
forestry sectors are part of the broader diversification initiative
spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Agriculture
As it relates to the agricultural aspect of the activities of GTIS, Engleka
noted that the main focus in that sector is on non-traditional products.
She said that through attendance at international trade shows dedicated to
the fresh produce industry, representatives from GTIS as well as the New
Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC) have established relationships with
importers in the US , Canada , Europe and the Caribbean .
To date, two GTIS pilot projects have focused on hot peppers and butternut
squash, and the organisation continues to explore opportunities to export
additional products based on market demand.
Next week, a host of Guyana's agricultural products, including butternut
squash, hot peppers, limes, oranges, and eddoes, will feature at a Guyana
Booth at the upcoming IFE Americas -10th Americas Food and Beverage Show in
Miami, Florida.
Other organisations providing support for this initiative include the
National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), Partners of the Americas ,
and the Poor Rural Communities Support Services Project (PRCSSP).
Aquaculture
GTIS, in collaboration with the National Aquaculture Association of Guyana
(NAAG), has identified overseas markets for fresh tilapia filets and is
working with local business persons to increase supplies to meet export
volumes.
So far, approximately 1,000 pounds of high-quality tilapia have been
exported to the United States . Next month, NAAG will host Tilapia
Aquaculture Night, creating an opportunity for individuals from the private
sector, government and donor organisations to discuss the future of
aquaculture in Guyana .
NAAG has also received support from the British High Commission and the UK
Department for International Development (DFID).
Forestry
The Forest Products Marketing Council (FPMC) -a private sector organisation
working in collaboration with GTIS - is seeking to promote the export of
value-added forestry products such as processed timber for decking,
construction, etcetera.
Through their attendance at several international trade shows, Engleka noted
that the group has been able to attract international investment to Guyana
's forestry sector.
She said that the FPMC estimates total new investments, since the
collaboration with GTIS, to be between $25 million and $30 million from the
ten companies that invested the most since 2006.
This and other factors have led to an estimated $70 million in forest
product exports for the year so far.
These deals involved products that capture higher prices, utilise more wood
from each log, and exploit a greater number of "lesser known" species, many
of which have never before been exported from Guyana.
GTIS and the FPMC are also collaborating to establish a national policy of
legal verification of forest products, and representatives from the two
groups are working with ProForest, a third-party auditing organisation, to
develop a Legal Verification System compatible with internationally
recognised standards and practices.
Steps in this process include working with the government to establish
appropriate policies, field-testing, training local auditors, working with
firms to become legally verified, and implementing a chain of custody.
Tourism
The Guyana Birding Tourism Programme is a joint initiative between GTIS and
the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA). Over the past year, Guyana has hosted
more than a dozen international tour operators on "familiarisation" tours to
acquaint them with the country's extravagant wildlife. As a result of these
FAM trips, select tour operators will be bringing a total of seven guided
bird watching tours to Guyana in 2008.
Two additional familiarisation trips are planned for November and April
2008.
Shortage of licences
After experiencing a shortage of provisional and drivers' licences, the
Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) says that it is making manageable progress in
acquiring both documents.
Deputy Chief Licence Officer Wannette Parris said that the shortage has been
an issue for some time now, and the office had managed to procure a
manageable quantity of provisional licences by noon yesterday, but is still
awaiting a new supply of drivers' licences.
Fortunately, there has not yet been any uproar among consumers regarding the
situation. Nevertheless, authorities say they are working expeditiously to
have the issue rectified.
At present, persons applying for driver's licences are simply provided with
receipts and asked to revisit the office at a later date to acquire the
necessary documents.
Before the acquisition of the provisional licence documents yesterday, the
authority was simply not providing persons in search of the short-term
documents.
Amerindians should not be museum pieces – Jagdeo
Amerindians should not be museum pieces – Jagdeo
Kaieteur News, 27 October 2007
The National Toshaos Conference concluded yesterday with the launching
of the Wai Wais' Community Owned Protected Area at the Umana Yana.
With a mini-exhibition, renditions from the Hinterland Scholarship
Programme students and steel pan music, Toshaos from across the country
brought the curtains down on what was described as a ‘successful' week
of discussions.
President Bharrat Jagdeo told the gathering that while he agrees that
Guyana has a wealth of biodiversity he does not want the indigenous
peoples to become a ‘museum piece.'
Amerindians, he pointed out, have a right to get a job, to have decent
health care, decent education and to have a happy life as people
elsewhere in the world.
“I want to guard against us being a museum piece for the developed
world where we become a showpiece and we don't get benefits for it. We
must get benefits for protecting the biodiversity and for having
sustainable forestry practices,” the Head of State said.
He added that he had an opportunity yesterday to sit and discuss with
the Toshaos, issues that are relevant to the development of their
communities.
He said, “What we are doing here is not patting the act of
conservation, what we are engaging in is a process of empowerment.'
The process, he noted, recognises that Amerindians are deprived of many
of the opportunities that people in other parts of the country access.
He added that Amerindians are deprived of an equitable distribution of
the resources that the state garners.
Empowerment, President Jagdeo said, has to do with resources:
education, health, opportunities and the creation of jobs in the area
for children.
Yesterday, the President discussed with the Toshaos, possibilities of
diversifying village economies.
“Land has always been very dear to our people, especially to the
Amerindians. We will be working with all the communities until all the
land issues are settled.
“We have made a lot of progress so far, we changed the system and even
to facilitate many of the communities and eventually everyone will
receive their titles as Konashen did.
“Once and for all they would have a legal instrument to the land that
they owned.”
Konashen, he said, has agreed to use their land in a particular way but
by no means is he suggesting that those, who have titled lands and
those who will receive titles, have to go this route.
“You have to make your own decision on how to use your land…we have
given you that right through the Amerindian Act.”
The President noted that communities are free to use the resources of
their lands for their benefit.
Speaking directly to Toshaos, Cemci James Suse and Deputy Toshaos Paul
Chekema of Konashen, President Jagdeo said, “You don't need to
apologise to anyone for not having the opportunity to go to school…We
failed you, we failed you as a country in providing those
opportunities.”
Both Toshaos, in delivering their remarks, apologised to the audience
for their broken English stating that they never had the opportunity to
attend school.
“I wish more people on the coast would listen to you and your vision;
people who have opportunities knocking at their doors, who live two
corners away from a school and would not push their children to take
the best advantage of the education system,” President Jagdeo said.
The just concluded conference is the first of its kind under the new
Amerindian Act.
Under the theme ‘Building Capacity for Good Governance' the National
Toshaos began on Monday.
Some 144 Toshaos and Senior Councillors from an estimated 100
Amerindian communities have been engaging in the discussion of issues
pertinent to the development of Amerindians at the meeting.
The delegation comprises 35 persons representing Region One, nine for
Region Two, two for Region Three, one each for Regions Four and Five,
fifteen for Region Seven, 18 for Region Eight, 51 for Region Nine, and
10 for Region Ten.
Toshaos from titled land communities were sworn in as Rural Constables
and Justice of Peace.
A National Toshaos Commission and the Indigenous Peoples Commission
were also set up during the conference.
Kaieteur News, 27 October 2007
The National Toshaos Conference concluded yesterday with the launching
of the Wai Wais' Community Owned Protected Area at the Umana Yana.
With a mini-exhibition, renditions from the Hinterland Scholarship
Programme students and steel pan music, Toshaos from across the country
brought the curtains down on what was described as a ‘successful' week
of discussions.
President Bharrat Jagdeo told the gathering that while he agrees that
Guyana has a wealth of biodiversity he does not want the indigenous
peoples to become a ‘museum piece.'
Amerindians, he pointed out, have a right to get a job, to have decent
health care, decent education and to have a happy life as people
elsewhere in the world.
“I want to guard against us being a museum piece for the developed
world where we become a showpiece and we don't get benefits for it. We
must get benefits for protecting the biodiversity and for having
sustainable forestry practices,” the Head of State said.
He added that he had an opportunity yesterday to sit and discuss with
the Toshaos, issues that are relevant to the development of their
communities.
He said, “What we are doing here is not patting the act of
conservation, what we are engaging in is a process of empowerment.'
The process, he noted, recognises that Amerindians are deprived of many
of the opportunities that people in other parts of the country access.
He added that Amerindians are deprived of an equitable distribution of
the resources that the state garners.
Empowerment, President Jagdeo said, has to do with resources:
education, health, opportunities and the creation of jobs in the area
for children.
Yesterday, the President discussed with the Toshaos, possibilities of
diversifying village economies.
“Land has always been very dear to our people, especially to the
Amerindians. We will be working with all the communities until all the
land issues are settled.
“We have made a lot of progress so far, we changed the system and even
to facilitate many of the communities and eventually everyone will
receive their titles as Konashen did.
“Once and for all they would have a legal instrument to the land that
they owned.”
Konashen, he said, has agreed to use their land in a particular way but
by no means is he suggesting that those, who have titled lands and
those who will receive titles, have to go this route.
“You have to make your own decision on how to use your land…we have
given you that right through the Amerindian Act.”
The President noted that communities are free to use the resources of
their lands for their benefit.
Speaking directly to Toshaos, Cemci James Suse and Deputy Toshaos Paul
Chekema of Konashen, President Jagdeo said, “You don't need to
apologise to anyone for not having the opportunity to go to school…We
failed you, we failed you as a country in providing those
opportunities.”
Both Toshaos, in delivering their remarks, apologised to the audience
for their broken English stating that they never had the opportunity to
attend school.
“I wish more people on the coast would listen to you and your vision;
people who have opportunities knocking at their doors, who live two
corners away from a school and would not push their children to take
the best advantage of the education system,” President Jagdeo said.
The just concluded conference is the first of its kind under the new
Amerindian Act.
Under the theme ‘Building Capacity for Good Governance' the National
Toshaos began on Monday.
Some 144 Toshaos and Senior Councillors from an estimated 100
Amerindian communities have been engaging in the discussion of issues
pertinent to the development of Amerindians at the meeting.
The delegation comprises 35 persons representing Region One, nine for
Region Two, two for Region Three, one each for Regions Four and Five,
fifteen for Region Seven, 18 for Region Eight, 51 for Region Nine, and
10 for Region Ten.
Toshaos from titled land communities were sworn in as Rural Constables
and Justice of Peace.
A National Toshaos Commission and the Indigenous Peoples Commission
were also set up during the conference.
International community must reward poor for conservation efforts - Jagdeo
Kaieteur News, 28 October 2007
International community must reward poor for conservation efforts - Jagdeo
Toshaos from across the country have all agreed to support a resolution
urging that the international community creates a framework in which
sustainable forestry and conservation practices are adequately rewarded.
President Bharrat Jagdeo made the announcement on Friday evening at the
Umana Yana during the launching of the Wai Wais Community Owned Conservation
Area.
The Head of State said that on Friday he had a discussion with the Toshaos
at the National Toshaos Conference and they all agreed to the resolution.
"Although we may be practising sound forestry or conservation here, in other
parts of the world some of the rich countries are not adjusting their
standards. They are continuing to pollute and they are not committing
themselves to any cut in greenhouse gases,"
If they do commit themselves, the Head of State said, it is often done as a
public relations exercise.
"Because of this, we bear more of the burden of saving the world than these
rich countries, and that should change. Poor countries should not bear the
bigger burden of saving the world in which everyone lives and in which the
developed countries enjoy a good standard of living without rewarding us for
this," President Jagdeo said.
He said that it is on this basis that Guyana is going to be lobbying for a
change in the Kyoto protocol, pursuing that it should become friendlier to
countries like ours that have large forests.
According to the Head of State, while Guyana contributes to the preservation
of biodiversity, it must first of all have to ensure that the biodiversity
is protected.
He urged Toshaos to guard against scientists exploiting their areas.
The President added that scientists go into some countries and patent stuff
that are growing in those countries 'forever,' and 'very' little benefits
flow to the people who live there.
"We have to guard against that, Toshaos, and not only in this area but in
every other area...When the scientist comes there to work, they have to
comply with our standards, and if anything is discovered, the people of this
country and your specific community will benefit from it, not just those
companies or scientists that come in here.," the President said.
On Friday, the Head of State also lashed out at Barama Company Limited
saying that the company will be sent packing if it cannot comply with the
standards of Guyana 's Forestry sector.
President Jagdeo said that the company is a guest in the country.
Under the theme 'Building Capacity for Good Governance,' the National
Toshaos conference began on Monday and ended on Friday.
Some 144 Toshaos and senior councillors from an estimated 100 Amerindian
communities had been engaged in discussing issues pertinent to the
development of Amerindians at the meeting.
A National Toshaos Commission and the Indigenous Peoples Commission were
also set up during the conference.
International community must reward poor for conservation efforts - Jagdeo
Toshaos from across the country have all agreed to support a resolution
urging that the international community creates a framework in which
sustainable forestry and conservation practices are adequately rewarded.
President Bharrat Jagdeo made the announcement on Friday evening at the
Umana Yana during the launching of the Wai Wais Community Owned Conservation
Area.
The Head of State said that on Friday he had a discussion with the Toshaos
at the National Toshaos Conference and they all agreed to the resolution.
"Although we may be practising sound forestry or conservation here, in other
parts of the world some of the rich countries are not adjusting their
standards. They are continuing to pollute and they are not committing
themselves to any cut in greenhouse gases,"
If they do commit themselves, the Head of State said, it is often done as a
public relations exercise.
"Because of this, we bear more of the burden of saving the world than these
rich countries, and that should change. Poor countries should not bear the
bigger burden of saving the world in which everyone lives and in which the
developed countries enjoy a good standard of living without rewarding us for
this," President Jagdeo said.
He said that it is on this basis that Guyana is going to be lobbying for a
change in the Kyoto protocol, pursuing that it should become friendlier to
countries like ours that have large forests.
According to the Head of State, while Guyana contributes to the preservation
of biodiversity, it must first of all have to ensure that the biodiversity
is protected.
He urged Toshaos to guard against scientists exploiting their areas.
The President added that scientists go into some countries and patent stuff
that are growing in those countries 'forever,' and 'very' little benefits
flow to the people who live there.
"We have to guard against that, Toshaos, and not only in this area but in
every other area...When the scientist comes there to work, they have to
comply with our standards, and if anything is discovered, the people of this
country and your specific community will benefit from it, not just those
companies or scientists that come in here.," the President said.
On Friday, the Head of State also lashed out at Barama Company Limited
saying that the company will be sent packing if it cannot comply with the
standards of Guyana 's Forestry sector.
President Jagdeo said that the company is a guest in the country.
Under the theme 'Building Capacity for Good Governance,' the National
Toshaos conference began on Monday and ended on Friday.
Some 144 Toshaos and senior councillors from an estimated 100 Amerindian
communities had been engaged in discussing issues pertinent to the
development of Amerindians at the meeting.
A National Toshaos Commission and the Indigenous Peoples Commission were
also set up during the conference.
Maicobie still to request audit - Minister Rodrigues
Maicobie still to request audit
- Minister Rodrigues
Kaieteur News, 27 October 2007
There has been no formal request by residents of Maicobie Village,
Region Eight, for an audit to be carried out, Minister of Amerindian
Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues said on Thursday.
However, the Minister said that once this is done her Ministry will
launch an investigation.
The Minister's comment came in response to an article published in
Wednesday's edition of the Kaieteur News.
In the article it was stated that some residents of Maicobie Village
are not pleased with the way the Council is handling the financial
affairs of the village.
As such, residents are calling for the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs
to conduct an audit.
Several villagers accused the village leaders of ‘doing their own
thing' with the village money.
“There are always reports like that. I think the good thing though is
that villagers are no longer silent when they perceive that something
is going wrong or when they know something is going wrong,” the
Amerindian Affairs Minister said.
She noted that her Ministry is training Toshaos to deal with matters of
that nature since there are inadequate resources to visit each area to
investigate such claims.
“But if there is indeed something happening at Maicobie then villagers
should make the report in writing and we would do some investigation,”
Minister Rodrigues said.
The Amerindian Act, she noted, states that an audit must be carried out
at least once in three years.
“If you wish to audit and you do not have the documents to audit, then
what are you auditing? That has been a major problem for us. So what we
normally do is apart from checking the documents, we would meet with
the community to hear what is happening.”
She said that some things do not ‘come out' in the audit so other
investigations are necessary. Meanwhile, at the National Toshaos
Conference on Thursday, the Amerindian leaders were busy drafting rules
to govern their communities.
Commenting on that say's sessions, the Amerindian Affairs Minister said
that the Toshaos have a long list of things that they can make rules
on.
“These things are listed in the Amerindian Act, they are working on the
rules now, so that we can have some generic rules but each community is
required to consult with every Toshao and the members. Two-thirds of
their general meeting must agree. So what we are trying to do is help
them in their rules formulation and when they go back they will consult
and decide which of the rules apply to them,” Minister Rodrigues said.
Under the theme ‘Building Capacity for Good Governance', the National
Toshaos Conference began on Monday.
Some 144 Toshaos and Senior Councillors from an estimated 100
Amerindian communities have been engaging in the discussion of issues
pertinent to the development of Amerindians at the meeting.
The conference ended yesterday.
- Minister Rodrigues
Kaieteur News, 27 October 2007
There has been no formal request by residents of Maicobie Village,
Region Eight, for an audit to be carried out, Minister of Amerindian
Affairs, Carolyn Rodrigues said on Thursday.
However, the Minister said that once this is done her Ministry will
launch an investigation.
The Minister's comment came in response to an article published in
Wednesday's edition of the Kaieteur News.
In the article it was stated that some residents of Maicobie Village
are not pleased with the way the Council is handling the financial
affairs of the village.
As such, residents are calling for the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs
to conduct an audit.
Several villagers accused the village leaders of ‘doing their own
thing' with the village money.
“There are always reports like that. I think the good thing though is
that villagers are no longer silent when they perceive that something
is going wrong or when they know something is going wrong,” the
Amerindian Affairs Minister said.
She noted that her Ministry is training Toshaos to deal with matters of
that nature since there are inadequate resources to visit each area to
investigate such claims.
“But if there is indeed something happening at Maicobie then villagers
should make the report in writing and we would do some investigation,”
Minister Rodrigues said.
The Amerindian Act, she noted, states that an audit must be carried out
at least once in three years.
“If you wish to audit and you do not have the documents to audit, then
what are you auditing? That has been a major problem for us. So what we
normally do is apart from checking the documents, we would meet with
the community to hear what is happening.”
She said that some things do not ‘come out' in the audit so other
investigations are necessary. Meanwhile, at the National Toshaos
Conference on Thursday, the Amerindian leaders were busy drafting rules
to govern their communities.
Commenting on that say's sessions, the Amerindian Affairs Minister said
that the Toshaos have a long list of things that they can make rules
on.
“These things are listed in the Amerindian Act, they are working on the
rules now, so that we can have some generic rules but each community is
required to consult with every Toshao and the members. Two-thirds of
their general meeting must agree. So what we are trying to do is help
them in their rules formulation and when they go back they will consult
and decide which of the rules apply to them,” Minister Rodrigues said.
Under the theme ‘Building Capacity for Good Governance', the National
Toshaos Conference began on Monday.
Some 144 Toshaos and Senior Councillors from an estimated 100
Amerindian communities have been engaging in the discussion of issues
pertinent to the development of Amerindians at the meeting.
The conference ended yesterday.
Jagdeo warns Barama…Comply with forestry sector standards or leave
Jagdeo warns Barama…
Comply with forestry sector standards
or leave
Kaieteur News, 27 October 2007
Barama Company Limited will be sent packing if it cannot comply with
the standards of Guyana 's Forestry sector, according to President
Bharrat Jagdeo.
President Jagdeo yesterday said that the company, as a guest in the
country, will have to comply with the country's standards or pack up
and leave.
The President made the comment yesterday while delivering the feature
address at the launching of the Wai Wais' Community-owned Conservation
Area (COCA) at the Umana Yana.
The Head of State declared that ‘no foreign group will come and tell us
how to manage our forest.'
He said, ‘We will manage our forest in a sustainable manner…If they
cannot comply with our standards, they do not have a choice but to
leave.'
According to the President, ‘We are not going to have anyone come here
and cut down our forest indiscriminately, so all the public relations
and the protest will not work…They have to follow our practices.'
The President's comments came days after the company was fined $96M by
the Ministry of Agriculture.
On Thursday, Minister of Agriculture with responsibility for forestry,
Robert Persaud, said that Government would not be blackmailed.
He noted that his Ministry would be sticking to its decision, which was
rooted in concrete evidence.
Barama had stated that employees' job security would be threatened by
the large fine that was levied against the company.
“Threats of protests or other unbecoming stance will not change the
government's position on this matter,” the Agriculture Minister said.
He also invited any independent body to scrutinise the evidence on
which the decision was made.
Despite the Minister's claimed evidence, Barama is still maintaining
its innocence.
Chairman of the company, Girwar Lalaram, on Thursday defended his
company saying that there was no intention to defraud the government of
anything but noted that with a company of such magnitude, procedural as
well as human error would occur.
When the news of the collusion to defraud the state of royalties was
made public, Lalaram had disclosed that “such a sudden suspension means
there will be workers without jobs immediately.”
In a release to the media on Wednesday, Lalaram said, “Barama is deeply
concerned that the penalties will have a detrimental impact on Barama's
continued investment in the country.”
According to Lalaram, the company was only confronted with the
allegations and not the findings.
He added that the fine of $96M was questionable.
He also accused the GFC of acting unconstitutionally, saying that it
had no right to impose a fine and that only the police were entrusted
with that power.
Comply with forestry sector standards
or leave
Kaieteur News, 27 October 2007
Barama Company Limited will be sent packing if it cannot comply with
the standards of Guyana 's Forestry sector, according to President
Bharrat Jagdeo.
President Jagdeo yesterday said that the company, as a guest in the
country, will have to comply with the country's standards or pack up
and leave.
The President made the comment yesterday while delivering the feature
address at the launching of the Wai Wais' Community-owned Conservation
Area (COCA) at the Umana Yana.
The Head of State declared that ‘no foreign group will come and tell us
how to manage our forest.'
He said, ‘We will manage our forest in a sustainable manner…If they
cannot comply with our standards, they do not have a choice but to
leave.'
According to the President, ‘We are not going to have anyone come here
and cut down our forest indiscriminately, so all the public relations
and the protest will not work…They have to follow our practices.'
The President's comments came days after the company was fined $96M by
the Ministry of Agriculture.
On Thursday, Minister of Agriculture with responsibility for forestry,
Robert Persaud, said that Government would not be blackmailed.
He noted that his Ministry would be sticking to its decision, which was
rooted in concrete evidence.
Barama had stated that employees' job security would be threatened by
the large fine that was levied against the company.
“Threats of protests or other unbecoming stance will not change the
government's position on this matter,” the Agriculture Minister said.
He also invited any independent body to scrutinise the evidence on
which the decision was made.
Despite the Minister's claimed evidence, Barama is still maintaining
its innocence.
Chairman of the company, Girwar Lalaram, on Thursday defended his
company saying that there was no intention to defraud the government of
anything but noted that with a company of such magnitude, procedural as
well as human error would occur.
When the news of the collusion to defraud the state of royalties was
made public, Lalaram had disclosed that “such a sudden suspension means
there will be workers without jobs immediately.”
In a release to the media on Wednesday, Lalaram said, “Barama is deeply
concerned that the penalties will have a detrimental impact on Barama's
continued investment in the country.”
According to Lalaram, the company was only confronted with the
allegations and not the findings.
He added that the fine of $96M was questionable.
He also accused the GFC of acting unconstitutionally, saying that it
had no right to impose a fine and that only the police were entrusted
with that power.
The communal lifestyle in Amerindian villages is beneficial, the lack of individual titles should not be fatal
http://www.stabroeknews.com/index.pl/article?id=56531932
The communal lifestyle in Amerindian villages is beneficial, the lack
of individual titles should not be fatal
Stabroek News, Saturday, October 27th 2007
The communal lifestyle in Amerindian villages is beneficial, the lack
of individual titles should not be fatal
Stabroek News, Saturday, October 27th 2007
Dear Editor,
"The world is changing in the United Nations favour as more people and
governments understand that multilateralism is the only path in an
interdependent and globalizing world. So going it alone is not a viable
option." - UN Secretary - General: Mr Ban Ki-moon.
Early this month I was invited by a Professor friend of mine - Ms
Patricia Fay -attached to the Florida Gulf Coast University to give a
'talk' about my village life as a child to interdisciplinary senior
students. This was in an effort to give the students a view of a
different life style of people in other parts of the world and to give
them a sense of balance on how they view life in general.
After the talk my friend asked me if I ever thought of bring my mother
to live with me. I told her that I do not want to 'imprison' my mother
in a little building with very limited land space - the answer that I
have been giving whenever I was asked the same question when I was
living in Georgetown and the Caribbean. She understood what I meant
because she is familiar with that free /open life style in the
Caribbean and villages in the Rupununi.
Anyway the point of this letter is to encourage my Anerindian brothers
and sisters of 4 Miles, Kaituma, North West, particularly, and other
titled villages to see the beauty of living in communal titled lands
and to point out also that we as Amerindians have the right or option
to live outside of our communal titled lands.
Unlike my brother J.H. Roberts whose letter captioned "Amerindians on
reservations cannot have individual titles to their land" was published
on October 24,2007, I did not have that lovely experience of growing up
into my adulthood in my village (Katoka, Rupununi) with my parents.
The first reason was that there was no school in the village at the
time. Hence I moved to Yupukari , at the age of six, where I stayed
with my late godmother - Ethaline Thomas- in order to attend school (
this school was central for surrounding subvillages which fell under
the administration of Yupukari Village Council even though they were
not physically included in the Yupukari Reserved area). After several
years I acquired a scholarship to attend St. Ignatius Secondary School.
I moved to the coast, after briefly teaching at my former primary
school and working with Malaria Eradication Programme, where I spent
most of my life studying.
When I was preparing to return to my region so that I can be close to
my parents, during my final year at the University of Guyana, my father
had passed away (message I got months later) and at the same time I was
appointed to teach at St. Mary's College in St. Lucia. I opted to
fulfil the latter. This gave me a wonderful opportunity to meet my
Carib brothers and sisters of Dominica who live in a reservation.
During my absence from my village, for most of my life, ( Katoka/
Yupukari) it was never out of my mind, even now. 'May be I drank too
much of that tasty dark Katoka creek water.' This was because I saw ,as
a child, the effect of the communal way - harmony, love, and
togetherness - our cultural way - that the rest of world (UN) is now
trying to establish.
Beside the village council, perhaps we can work in groups/sub
regionally (several villages coming together) to overcome our
shortcomings and to create a stronger community. North Rupununi
District Development Board is an example that other communities should
follow.
A Village Council, if capacitated with enlightened/learned members, can
be likened to a government. As an established/recognized body by law,
in my opinion, it can have access to loan agencies/banks for the
benefit of all.
In closing, for this reason, I would like to reiterate what I said in
my last letter that "every Amerindian village could have an education
and development fund" (07.10.15) where I shared ideas of fund raising
to establish Village Education and Development Fund; establish a
village farm - farming/live stock - and village shop (food, crafts,
art, music,) managed by the Village Council.
It is a dream of mine to assist any village that sees the necessity of
such fund in the future using the last bit of my athletic ability and
my natural talents - art, craft, and music.
For consultation purposes I submit my email address: Macushi9@cfl.rr.com
Yours faithfully,
Guy Marco
Chanting Guyanas climate change mantra: Wai Wais choose "conservation economy"
Guyana Chronicle top story, 28 October 2007-10-28
http://www.guyanachronicle.com/topstory.html#Anchor-----vcjhhvjbbhjhjh-40513
Chanting Guyanas climate change mantra: Wai Wais choose "conservation
economy"
By Neil Marks
THE district of Konahsen, which shares ties with the Amazon forest, is now
designated a Community Owned Conservation Area (COCA), but it is by no means
a new concept for the Wai Wai people.
Of all people, they have lived conservation," said Major General (rtd)
Joseph Singh, a board member of Conservation International Guyana (CIG) at
the Georgetown launching ceremony for the COCA Friday evening. "The only
true rainforest tribe is the Wai Wai people".
The launching took place at the Umana Yana, the cone-shaped meeting place
resembling a traditional Amerindian dwelling house built by the Wai Wai for
the hosting of foreign ministers of the Non Aligned Movement back in 1972.
It was the appropriate venue for the launching, and for Major General Singh,
it was an event that would now allow him to "sleep in peace" knowing that he
had seen the vision of the first Kayaritomo or chief of the Wai Wai Elka,
made firm. Konashen means "Place of God".
Singh recalled that in 1969, when he was then a young soldier, it was Elka's
desire for his forest not to be plundered and for his people not to be
displaced, as was the case in neighbouring Brazil, which holds the bulk of
the Amazon forest, and is one of the most important regions in the world in
the fight against climate change.
In fact, Singh said it was the cooperation of the Wai Wai, who noticed
discolouration in the water, which helped the Army to stamp out illegal
mining in two instances.
Singh said that vision of Elka has been shared by all the chiefs of the Wai
Wai, though their population in the Konashen district has dwindled and is
now about 205 people.
The Wai Wai will prove to all that they are worthy stewards of the
environment and its eco-systems," said Singh.
He noted that the Wai Wai live in the headwaters of Guyana's largest river,
the Essequibo, effectively making the Wai Wai protectors of the country's
largest source of fresh water.
They received legal rights to their land (625,000-hectare or 1.54 million
acres) in 2004, and recognizing that marrying traditional knowledge and
modern technology can only be an incentive for the proper management of
their homeland, they immediately asked for CI's help in creating the
necessary management plan and regulations to become a COCA.
In the time that followed, the Wai Wai leadership worked with CI, The
Environmental Protection Agency and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs to
develop a management plan and structure that will bring economic benefit to
the Wai Wai while protecting part of the largest remaining swathes of
pristine rainforest on Earth.
Under regulations passed by the Guyana parliament, the Wai Wai community
formally designated their land a protected area and adopted the management
plan, which was developed with the support of CI.
As managers of their COCA, the small group of of Wai Wai are building a
"conservation economy" based on the sustainable use of their natural
resources. The plan will create jobs from conservation activities, such as
newly trained para-biologists working with researchers to assess the
territory's flora and fauna, and local rangers patrolling the area. Other
economic activities include ecotourism and expanding the traditional Wai Wai
craft business.
By making their homeland a Community Owned Conservation Area, the Wai Wai
will join and benefit from Guyana's National Protected Areas System and an
endowment trust being established by the government of Guyana. CI's Global
Conservation Fund and the German government are major contributors to the
endowment fund.
The Wai Wai homeland is part of the Guayana Shield, a huge stretch of Amazon
rainforest across six South American countries. The region provides habitat
to the jaguar, blue poison frog, cock of the rock, scarlet macaw and other
Amazon wildlife.
CI is promoting the value of the Wai Wai tropical forest for carbon
sequestration, clean watersheds and other ecosystem services it provides.
Cutting and burning tropical forests contributes 20 percent of the total
greenhouse gas emissions blamed for global warming, and the world's
burgeoning carbon market means developing countries such as Guyana could
benefit from the market value of standing rainforests that absorb
atmospheric carbon.
While Major General Singh said the Wai Wai "know about climate change, they
don't need anyone to tell them," President Bharrat Jagdeo said it is not the
argument that the Wai Wai do not understand climate change, the problem is
that their voice is not taken seriously.
He said the Wai Wai people have seen floods which have destroyed their
agriculture, and their way of life, although they by themselves have not
contributed to these woes since they have been practicing sound conservation
practices.
Mr Jagdeo said he was happy that all the Amerindian Toshaos have agreed to
sign a resolution calling for the international community to reward Guyana
for keeping its forest intact, almost 80 percent of which remains in its
pristine state.
He said while initiatives like that of the Wai Wai COCA, and Guyana's
preservation of its rainforest may make this country a "museum piece", the
government wants to see the developed world pay, because they are the ones
who are the biggest polluters and destroyers of the environment.
Mr Jagdeo said countries like Guyana which have preserved the environment
should not bear the burden of saving the world and should be rewarded, "and
rewarded substantially".
He said this will be the government's mantra for the future, starting with
the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bali, Indonesia in December,
when global crusaders against climate change meet to start robust
discussions on framing a new agreement to replace the first international
agreement on climate change, known as the Kyoto Protocol.
Protectors of the forest, like the Wai Wai people know that while they have
agreed to protect the forest, they would get a better life if they get
money. "Everybody want money," Paul Chekema, a former Wai Wai chief bluntly
put it.
He said while they have seen improved access to education and healthcare,
getting jobs to make a living has been difficult. Chekema, who has called
for the early establishment of the Trust Fund, is confident that the COCA
will help to change their economic stand in life, while at the same time,
protect their land.
We want to serve our area...We want to protect our water for all who are in
Essequibo," said Chekema.
The current Wai Wai chief, Cemci James Suse, shares the same view. Citing an
example, he said when they tried to catch fish to sell, they end up losing,
since the closest community and market for them, Aishalton, is a two week
journey, and they don't know how to keep the fish alive for that long.
He said the lack of jobs has forced the Wai Wai youth across the border to
Brazil and they never return, resulting in the dwindling population, which
was at one time some 800. He related that because of the migration, the Wai
Wai only have "four old people with us".
Minister of Amerindian Affairs Ms Carolyn Rodrigues noted that the first
launch of the COCA took place on September 26, 2007 in the village of
Masakenari, where the Wai Wai live in the Konashen district.
It was also launched at a Latin American Parks Conference in Argentina,
which helped to bring international recognition to the project.
This shows the power of giving land rights to indigenous populations,
because they know what's best for their communities," CI President Russell
A. Mittermeier was quoted as saying in a press release by CI announcing the
COCA.
"The Wai Wai could have sold off the timber and other natural assets for a
one-time payoff, but instead they chose to protect the rainforest and allow
future generations to continue to benefit from it."
CI works in more than 40 countries on four continents to help people find
economic alternatives without harming their natural environments
http://www.guyanachronicle.com
Chanting Guyanas climate change mantra: Wai Wais choose "conservation
economy"
By Neil Marks
THE district of Konahsen, which shares ties with the Amazon forest, is now
designated a Community Owned Conservation Area (COCA), but it is by no means
a new concept for the Wai Wai people.
Of all people, they have lived conservation," said Major General (rtd)
Joseph Singh, a board member of Conservation International Guyana (CIG) at
the Georgetown launching ceremony for the COCA Friday evening. "The only
true rainforest tribe is the Wai Wai people".
The launching took place at the Umana Yana, the cone-shaped meeting place
resembling a traditional Amerindian dwelling house built by the Wai Wai for
the hosting of foreign ministers of the Non Aligned Movement back in 1972.
It was the appropriate venue for the launching, and for Major General Singh,
it was an event that would now allow him to "sleep in peace" knowing that he
had seen the vision of the first Kayaritomo or chief of the Wai Wai Elka,
made firm. Konashen means "Place of God".
Singh recalled that in 1969, when he was then a young soldier, it was Elka's
desire for his forest not to be plundered and for his people not to be
displaced, as was the case in neighbouring Brazil, which holds the bulk of
the Amazon forest, and is one of the most important regions in the world in
the fight against climate change.
In fact, Singh said it was the cooperation of the Wai Wai, who noticed
discolouration in the water, which helped the Army to stamp out illegal
mining in two instances.
Singh said that vision of Elka has been shared by all the chiefs of the Wai
Wai, though their population in the Konashen district has dwindled and is
now about 205 people.
The Wai Wai will prove to all that they are worthy stewards of the
environment and its eco-systems," said Singh.
He noted that the Wai Wai live in the headwaters of Guyana's largest river,
the Essequibo, effectively making the Wai Wai protectors of the country's
largest source of fresh water.
They received legal rights to their land (625,000-hectare or 1.54 million
acres) in 2004, and recognizing that marrying traditional knowledge and
modern technology can only be an incentive for the proper management of
their homeland, they immediately asked for CI's help in creating the
necessary management plan and regulations to become a COCA.
In the time that followed, the Wai Wai leadership worked with CI, The
Environmental Protection Agency and the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs to
develop a management plan and structure that will bring economic benefit to
the Wai Wai while protecting part of the largest remaining swathes of
pristine rainforest on Earth.
Under regulations passed by the Guyana parliament, the Wai Wai community
formally designated their land a protected area and adopted the management
plan, which was developed with the support of CI.
As managers of their COCA, the small group of of Wai Wai are building a
"conservation economy" based on the sustainable use of their natural
resources. The plan will create jobs from conservation activities, such as
newly trained para-biologists working with researchers to assess the
territory's flora and fauna, and local rangers patrolling the area. Other
economic activities include ecotourism and expanding the traditional Wai Wai
craft business.
By making their homeland a Community Owned Conservation Area, the Wai Wai
will join and benefit from Guyana's National Protected Areas System and an
endowment trust being established by the government of Guyana. CI's Global
Conservation Fund and the German government are major contributors to the
endowment fund.
The Wai Wai homeland is part of the Guayana Shield, a huge stretch of Amazon
rainforest across six South American countries. The region provides habitat
to the jaguar, blue poison frog, cock of the rock, scarlet macaw and other
Amazon wildlife.
CI is promoting the value of the Wai Wai tropical forest for carbon
sequestration, clean watersheds and other ecosystem services it provides.
Cutting and burning tropical forests contributes 20 percent of the total
greenhouse gas emissions blamed for global warming, and the world's
burgeoning carbon market means developing countries such as Guyana could
benefit from the market value of standing rainforests that absorb
atmospheric carbon.
While Major General Singh said the Wai Wai "know about climate change, they
don't need anyone to tell them," President Bharrat Jagdeo said it is not the
argument that the Wai Wai do not understand climate change, the problem is
that their voice is not taken seriously.
He said the Wai Wai people have seen floods which have destroyed their
agriculture, and their way of life, although they by themselves have not
contributed to these woes since they have been practicing sound conservation
practices.
Mr Jagdeo said he was happy that all the Amerindian Toshaos have agreed to
sign a resolution calling for the international community to reward Guyana
for keeping its forest intact, almost 80 percent of which remains in its
pristine state.
He said while initiatives like that of the Wai Wai COCA, and Guyana's
preservation of its rainforest may make this country a "museum piece", the
government wants to see the developed world pay, because they are the ones
who are the biggest polluters and destroyers of the environment.
Mr Jagdeo said countries like Guyana which have preserved the environment
should not bear the burden of saving the world and should be rewarded, "and
rewarded substantially".
He said this will be the government's mantra for the future, starting with
the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Bali, Indonesia in December,
when global crusaders against climate change meet to start robust
discussions on framing a new agreement to replace the first international
agreement on climate change, known as the Kyoto Protocol.
Protectors of the forest, like the Wai Wai people know that while they have
agreed to protect the forest, they would get a better life if they get
money. "Everybody want money," Paul Chekema, a former Wai Wai chief bluntly
put it.
He said while they have seen improved access to education and healthcare,
getting jobs to make a living has been difficult. Chekema, who has called
for the early establishment of the Trust Fund, is confident that the COCA
will help to change their economic stand in life, while at the same time,
protect their land.
We want to serve our area...We want to protect our water for all who are in
Essequibo," said Chekema.
The current Wai Wai chief, Cemci James Suse, shares the same view. Citing an
example, he said when they tried to catch fish to sell, they end up losing,
since the closest community and market for them, Aishalton, is a two week
journey, and they don't know how to keep the fish alive for that long.
He said the lack of jobs has forced the Wai Wai youth across the border to
Brazil and they never return, resulting in the dwindling population, which
was at one time some 800. He related that because of the migration, the Wai
Wai only have "four old people with us".
Minister of Amerindian Affairs Ms Carolyn Rodrigues noted that the first
launch of the COCA took place on September 26, 2007 in the village of
Masakenari, where the Wai Wai live in the Konashen district.
It was also launched at a Latin American Parks Conference in Argentina,
which helped to bring international recognition to the project.
This shows the power of giving land rights to indigenous populations,
because they know what's best for their communities," CI President Russell
A. Mittermeier was quoted as saying in a press release by CI announcing the
COCA.
"The Wai Wai could have sold off the timber and other natural assets for a
one-time payoff, but instead they chose to protect the rainforest and allow
future generations to continue to benefit from it."
CI works in more than 40 countries on four continents to help people find
economic alternatives without harming their natural environments
A Natural Resources Audit should be conducted despite the expense
http://www.stabroeknews.com/index.pl/article?id=56532011
A Natural Resources Audit should be conducted despite the expense
Stabroek News, Sunday, October 28th 2007
A Natural Resources Audit should be conducted despite the expense
Stabroek News, Sunday, October 28th 2007
Dear Editor,
The recently clarified statement by His Excellency the President Mr
Bharrat Jagdeo on the offer of deploying Guyana's approximately eighty
percent standing forests in the fight against global warming, has
indeed cleared the air of any ambiguity on this issue. However, I do
believe that much more can and has to be done in order that our nation
benefits from our standing forests in a multiplicity of ways.
It is necessary, that we raise the issue of a Natural Resources Audit,
which will inform this nation as to what we have and where it is.
These resources ranging from forest products, minerals, fresh water,
potential hydropower sites as well as medicinal plants for the
pharmaceutical industry must be explored and studied in order that
informed decisions can be made, regarding how our forests are to be
deployed. If our forest resources for example are left untouched and
the nation benefits tangibly from the industrialized countries in some
arrangement this is a good thing. However, we must be in the position
to say which forests are to be left standing, due to diligent
evaluation of the flora and fauna, sub-surface minerals and water
resources.
It is our responsibility that we maximise the use of these precious
resources not only for this generation, but also for many more to come.
Some investment must be made in this direction, since this knowledge
can lead us to the wealth which we ought to be seeking.
A very senior politician once told me that such an Audit will be
expensive and would lead to discouraging investors, since the cost of
the Audit will be transferred to the prospective investor in respective
areas. I will not comment on that statement further than to say, cent
wise and billions of dollars foolish.
To illustrate the necessity of a Natural Resource Audit, I will present
this hypothetical scenario. We need more power generating capacity to
support our growing economy. Our first choice is a hydropower facility
somewhere in a heavily forested area somewhere in Region 8. We go
ahead, build this hydro power plant, and flood an area, which will
provide the water required to feed the turbines. Three years after
commencement, we discover that the flooded area contains vast
quantities of oil and gas. Indeed, we have lost time, spent large
capital sums in the construction of the hydro power plant and now have
to decide what to do. An audit would have helped us avoid such a
situation.
In a series of lectures broadcast by the Voice of America under the
theme 'Modernization: The Dynamics of Growth' Professor Eugene Stanley
explored the role of the State in Economic Development and stated the
following:
'The government must take responsibility for analyzing the country's
economic position and its development potentials, determining feasible
and mutually consistent development goals, and devising ways to move
the economy towards those goals as rapidly and smoothly as possible.
This requires (1) Analysis of resources, (2) setting of short-range and
long-range targets for economic advance, sector by sector and so far as
feasible industry by industry, and (3) spelling out for the information
of all concerned what the attainment of the proposed targets will mean
in increased production and in increased requirements for materials and
equipment trained man power, capital and foreign exchange.'
He goes on to state 'This process if it is realistic and followed up by
positive measures of implementation, creates well-founded expectations
that enable all economic agencies, governmental and private, to base
their own plans and decisions on a common general plan and thus work
together for economic expansion'.
Many here recognized this and after meaningful consultation,the
National Development Strategy was born. Indeed the government has
implemented some of the items therein, but has done so in a manner that
excluded other important stakeholders. In doing so, the speed at which
we could develop is limited, due to so many not feeling a part of the
strategy and thus they have taken on the position of bystanders and
critics. Many took part in the formulation of the plan but feel now
excluded from its execution and evaluation.
Increasingly governments around the world have started to recognize
that natural resources are much more than the usual mineral (gold,
diamond, iron ore, bauxite etc) and hydrocarbon deposits (coal, oil and
gas). Often we tend to forget that, due to standing forests, and the
knowledge connected to specific species of plants and animals, used by
indigenous and other peoples for medicinal purposes, this must be seen
as a very special natural resource, which must be protected and so
marketed. The holders of such information as a group and as individuals
must benefit as well as the entire nation.
Governments must protect this local knowledge from being cheaply
exported from our country by 'research agencies' for minuscule amounts
(gifts, grants, and clock fixings) only to be sold to the
pharmaceutical industries for large amounts. Fair trade indeed has its
limitations.
If we recognize that the world has moved to the point where knowledge
and technology are the driving forces of rapid development, then we
must consciously seek to identify areas of local intellectual property
and protect it. We have been guilty of snubbing local intelligence in a
number of ways and thus have played into the hands of those who
continue to 'help' us with gifts, grants and clock fixings.
Governments often overlook fresh water resources especially where an
apparent abundance of water is present. With the ever-increasing
negative effects of changing weather patterns, freshwater resources
have to be monitored and efficiently used in order to ensure adequate
supplies for future generations. Often new industries along with
intensified agricultural activity put more pressure on fresh water
supplies in two ways; namely: water is needed in the industries and
agriculture for production processes and from these two activities
effluents are produced, which contaminate fresh water. The cycle if not
managed efficiently will spiral out of control, thus creating serious
consequences for our very existence. Therefore, this resource must be
protected and managed in a manner, that not only assures our continued
development, but also secures future endeavours.
Many have predicted that future world wars will be fought, not over
minerals and oil, but over the control of freshwater supplies. Many
ongoing conflicts in our time are a result of limited freshwater.
Therefore, this resource must be re-evaluated as a long-term asset of
immense value.
Data on Guyana from 1992 as stated by World Resources Institute, under
withdrawals by sector of the renewable water resources has agriculture
at 98%, industry 1% and domestic at 1% using a total of 1.5 cubic
kilometers.
It would be of interest to know what the figures are now in 2007 in
light of the development of various sectors and industries since 1992.
Certainly, a re-evaluation of how we do things is in order. One of Bob
Marley's songs so aptly describes the situation we find ourselves in;
'In an abundance of water the fool is thirsty'. Are we fools? I hope
not.
Yours faithfully,
Everall Franklin, MP
Toshaos urge better international forest conservation framework
Toshaos urge better international forest conservation framework
Jagdeo: If companies like Barama cannot follow rules then they will
have to leave
By Gaulbert Sutherland
Stabroek News, Saturday, October 27th 2007
http://www.stabroeknews.com/index.pl/article?id=56531894
Jagdeo: If companies like Barama cannot follow rules then they will
have to leave
By Gaulbert Sutherland
Stabroek News, Saturday, October 27th 2007
http://www.stabroeknews.com
From left are Toshao of Kanashen Cemci Suse, President Bharrat Jagdeo,
Deputy Toshao of Kanashen, Paul Chekema and Amerindian Affairs Minister
Carolyn Rodrigues at the Umana Yana last evening. The Wai-Wai community
owned conservation area was relaunched a
Toshaos at the conclusion of the National Toshaos Conference yesterday
supported a resolution that urged the international community to create
a framework to ensure that forest conservation efforts are adequately
rewarded.
From a benab in the isolated rainforest community of Masakenari, in the
heart of the Wai-Wai nation, to a conference in Argentina and finally
to the Wai-Wai built Umana Yana in Georgetown, the Community Owned
Conser-vation Area (COCA) was again re-launched last evening this time
in the presence of President Bharrat Jagdeo, other government
officials, Conservation International (CI) representatives, the
Chairman of Region Nine (where the area is located), Clarindo Lucas and
Toshaos from all over the country. It was described as the conclusion
of one phase and the beginning of another.
Jagdeo, in his feature address said that the event was not just a
single act of conservation, but an engagement in the process of
empowerment. Expressing his support for the Wai-Wai's decision, the
president said that this is in no way suggesting that the other
communities go this route. "You can make your own decisions what to do
with the land that you own", he assured the toshaos. Jagdeo however
asserted that Guyana's conservation efforts do not mean that the
country should be "locked away as museum pieces for the rest of the
world". "We are not a museum piece", he declared stating that there
should be benefits for protecting the bio-diversity. Noting the
experience of other areas where new discoveries had led to patents
being taken out and which benefitted persons other than the community,
the president assured the gathering that the local people will benefit.
He however said that help is needed and noted the toshaos' support of
the resolution. Jagdeo stated that developing countries such as Guyana
are not major producers of greenhouse gases but the developed states
are and he condemned those nations for continuing to pollute and not
committing to a reduction of their emissions.
"We bear more of the burden of saving the world than the rich countries
and that should change", he declared adding that this will be the
future mantra of his government. He said that while Guyana was prepared
to play its part in saving the world, the country should be rewarded
for this.
During the opening ceremony for this month's Commonwealth Finance
Ministers Meeting, President Jagdeo announced that he has offered
almost the entire local rainforest in the fight against climate change.
No details have since been provided on this proposal.
From left are Toshao of Kanashen Cemci Suse, President Bharrat Jagdeo,
Deputy Toshao of Kanashen, Paul Chekema and Amerindian Affairs Minister
Carolyn Rodrigues at the Umana Yana last evening. The Wai-Wai community
owned conservation area was relaunched a
The Head of State yesterday further committed to lobbying for changes
to the Kyoto Protocol so that states like Guyana would benefit for
their conservation efforts. "We have to change the Kyoto Protocol so
that in the future there will be a framework which ensures that
countries like ours are rewarded", he said. He called on the toshaos,
agencies like CI and others to support the call for "major enhancement
in the fight against global warming". He committed his government's
support in continuing to work with the community. "We want this to be
successful so that eventually it will become a model for other areas
and other countries", he stated.
Barama
Jagdeo also stressed that if companies like Barama cannot follow rules
then they will have to leave. He asserted that Guyana was quite capable
of managing its forest and "no foreign group will come and tell us how
to manage our forest". "All their public relations and protests will
not work", he declared. Barama was this week slapped with $96M in fines
for breaches of forestry regulations.
Amerindian Affairs Minister Carolyn Rodrigues, in expressing her
happiness noted that it was the third launching of the COCA with the
first being in Masakenari and the second in Argentina. She stated that
at the launching in the Spanish-speaking South American country, "many
were pleased with Guyana". "It is the end of one process and the
beginning of another", she said.
Rodrigues came in for praise from deputy toshao of Kanashen, Paul
Chekema who declared that "she is doing so well for us". In recalling
the road to the establishment of the protected area he stressed the
support of the government and CI. Chekema said that what is needed now
is the knowledge of how to make the project pay financially. "I hope we
will get soon a trust fund", he added. Meanwhile toshao of the
community Cemci Suse stated that the area will have to be part of the
National System of Protected Areas.
"They have lived conservation, they know climate change", asserted
Major General (Ret'd.) Joseph Singh, a member of CI's Board. He stated
that the Wai-Wai's will prove to all that they are worthy stewards of
the eco-system. CI's Guianas Program Vice-President Lisa Famolare added
that the agency's work in Guyana was outstanding and commended the
government and the Wai-Wai nation as "true global leaders" of
conservation.
The COCA commits an area of forest approximately 625,000 hectares (just
over a million acres), held by the Wai-Wais in southern Guyana for
conservation purposes. Residents will manage the area in accordance
with rules which they have drafted and for which approval will be given
by Rodrigues under the Amerindian Act. The rules will allow the
residents of the community to utilize the resources in a sustainable
manner. The 625,000 hectares of titled land is the largest plot held by
any indigenous group in Guyana with just about 205 persons residing in
the community.
Toshaos say teenage pregnancy, compensation in rape cases rampant
http://www.stabroeknews.com/index.pl/article?id=56531791
Toshaos say teenage pregnancy, compensation in rape cases rampant
Stabroek News, Friday, October 26th 2007
Toshaos say teenage pregnancy, compensation in rape cases rampant
Stabroek News, Friday, October 26th 2007
The growing incidence of teenage pregnancy in hinterland communities
and the settling of rape cases by compensation were among the issues
raised when Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Priya
Manickchand, met with toshaos on Wednesday.
Manickchand held discussions with the Amerindian village leaders on the
third day of the Toshaos Conference held at the International
Conference Centre at Liliendaal. However, due to time constraints the
issues raised were limited to brief discussions but Manickchand made a
commitment to follow-up on the reports over the next few months as the
ministry collects feedback countrywide on its recently launched sexual
offences consultation paper, 'Stamp it out.'
The minister gave a brief presentation on the paper and invited
comments. Mark George, toshao of Annai Village pointed out that in his
community there are cases where young women are having children and are
unable to say definitively who the fathers are. He recalled that at a
recent baptism, the young mother was at a loss for words when the
priest enquired of the child's father.
"It is a very serious situation and one that warrants urgent action.
Minister you must come to Annai and talk with the people so they can
better understand the law and change how they are living," George
pleaded.
Highlighting the situation in the Berbice River, one of the toshaos
said there is need for the minister to pay particular attention to the
area since many young women and men are trapped in a cycle of pregnancy
and child labour. He said there are a number of teenage mothers in the
area and many young children are forced into the job market.
The man added that social workers visit the area infrequently.
Additionally, the man queried whether toshaos can pursue rape cases
after the parties would have received compensation and settled out of
court since according to him, this practice is becoming too frequent.
In response Manickchand said she is aware of the need for resident
social workers in the area.
She said the ministry is working on having at least one social worker
placed in the area. She said too that the area will receive the desired
attention since the concerns raised are troubling.
Manickchand said the issue of compensation is addressed in the
consultation paper, adding that there are proposals for the Director of
Public Prosecutions to be the sole decision-maker on whether a case
should end and for persons who accept compensation and end matters to
be charged with obstructing the course of justice.
Another toshao asked whether the village leaders should report young
women under the age of 16 who become pregnant to the authorities.
He said there are many in his area and the majority are still at
school. To this, Manickchand said it is not mandatory to report
pregnancies but any girl under age 16 who becomes pregnant is a victim
of statutory rape and as such the man responsible can be charged.
'Stamp it out' deals with a comprehensive review of law and policy on
sexual offences and also sets out proposals aimed at reforming the law,
strengthening protection and improving support and services for
victims.
Agri Minister weighs in on Barama fiasco…‘Threats of protests will not change Government's position'
Agri Minister weighs in on
Barama fiasco…
‘Threats of protests will not change
Government's position'
Kaieteur News, 26 October 2007
In the face of threatened strike action by Barama employees who feared
that the compensatory sum of $96M would affect their job security,
Minister of Agriculture with responsibility for forestry, Robert
Persaud said yesterday that Government would not be blackmailed. It
would be sticking to its decision which was based on concrete evidence,
he added.
“Threats of protests or other unbecoming stance will not change the
government's position on this matter.”
He invited any independent body to scrutinise the evidence on which the
decision was made.
“Any such scrutiny must, however, be at the financial cost of the
requesting company, and must include oversight by the Guyana Forestry
Commission (GFC).”
Despite the claims of Chairman of Barama Company Limited, Girwar
Lalaram, that the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) only confronted it
with allegations and not claims, Persaud reiterated that the GFC then
wrote to three of the companies, clearly outlining the identified
breaches, and requesting the companies to provide a response.
“The responses of the companies did not provide a satisfactory
explanation for the breaches identified by the GFC.”
He said that a fourth company was not notified because the GFC has not
been able to identify any individual(s) legally authorised to represent
that company following the death of its Managing Director earlier this
year.
The Minister also reiterated that the companies involved in the
breaches could appeal the charges and sanctions imposed.
“This must, however, be done through a proper and acceptable
process…not through the use of coercive tactics that seek to blackmail
the GFC and Government to reverse its position, whilst downplaying
serious breaches of the Government of Guyana guidelines for sustainable
forest management.”
SUPPORT
Persaud, in a gesture to ensure that the workers' welfare is not put at
risk, stated that the Ministry is prepared to facilitate access to raw
materials for the Land of Canaan plywood factory.
He did emphasise, however, that it would be done only as part of a
transition process that will eliminate any approved sub-contractual
arrangement by December 31, 2007.
“This must be done through a process that is based on constructive
engagement rather than the manipulation of issues and processes and the
issuance of threats and reckless statements…
“This is to ensure that it is prepared to undertake sufficient
extraction of Baromalli from its own concession or make other
arrangements for sourcing raw materials.”
Persaud indicated that the gesture has been communicated to the
President of the Guyana Labour Union (GLU), Carvil Duncan.
GLU is the union under which the Barama employees fall.
“We want to ensure that workers do not suffer as a result of the
breaches committed by the companies.”
According to Persaud, the claims by Barama that the suspension of its
sub contracts with neighbouring concessions would adversely affect its
raw material supply and lead to downsizing of its operation are
unfounded.
He substantiated his point by illustrating figures that show that
Barama was under-harvesting its own concession.
“It must be noted that a total of 1.6 million hectares have been issued
to Barama…
“Currently, Barama's level of utilisation of its concession acreage is
about 20 per cent.”
He said that based on the annual plan inventory data submitted to the
GFC by Barama for 2007, the company could harvest some 43,000 cubic
meters of Baromalli logs that are 40 centimeters and more in diameter
(used for plywood production) as opposed to their current extraction of
only 14,585 cubic meters up to September 2007.
He added that for 2006, only 12,319 cubic meters of Baromalli logs were
harvested from Barama concession area which indicated that Barama was
not making maximum use of the extensive acreage leased to it.
Persaud said that the underutilisation of the land was of great concern
to the GFC and the Ministry.
Barama fiasco…
‘Threats of protests will not change
Government's position'
Kaieteur News, 26 October 2007
In the face of threatened strike action by Barama employees who feared
that the compensatory sum of $96M would affect their job security,
Minister of Agriculture with responsibility for forestry, Robert
Persaud said yesterday that Government would not be blackmailed. It
would be sticking to its decision which was based on concrete evidence,
he added.
“Threats of protests or other unbecoming stance will not change the
government's position on this matter.”
He invited any independent body to scrutinise the evidence on which the
decision was made.
“Any such scrutiny must, however, be at the financial cost of the
requesting company, and must include oversight by the Guyana Forestry
Commission (GFC).”
Despite the claims of Chairman of Barama Company Limited, Girwar
Lalaram, that the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) only confronted it
with allegations and not claims, Persaud reiterated that the GFC then
wrote to three of the companies, clearly outlining the identified
breaches, and requesting the companies to provide a response.
“The responses of the companies did not provide a satisfactory
explanation for the breaches identified by the GFC.”
He said that a fourth company was not notified because the GFC has not
been able to identify any individual(s) legally authorised to represent
that company following the death of its Managing Director earlier this
year.
The Minister also reiterated that the companies involved in the
breaches could appeal the charges and sanctions imposed.
“This must, however, be done through a proper and acceptable
process…not through the use of coercive tactics that seek to blackmail
the GFC and Government to reverse its position, whilst downplaying
serious breaches of the Government of Guyana guidelines for sustainable
forest management.”
SUPPORT
Persaud, in a gesture to ensure that the workers' welfare is not put at
risk, stated that the Ministry is prepared to facilitate access to raw
materials for the Land of Canaan plywood factory.
He did emphasise, however, that it would be done only as part of a
transition process that will eliminate any approved sub-contractual
arrangement by December 31, 2007.
“This must be done through a process that is based on constructive
engagement rather than the manipulation of issues and processes and the
issuance of threats and reckless statements…
“This is to ensure that it is prepared to undertake sufficient
extraction of Baromalli from its own concession or make other
arrangements for sourcing raw materials.”
Persaud indicated that the gesture has been communicated to the
President of the Guyana Labour Union (GLU), Carvil Duncan.
GLU is the union under which the Barama employees fall.
“We want to ensure that workers do not suffer as a result of the
breaches committed by the companies.”
According to Persaud, the claims by Barama that the suspension of its
sub contracts with neighbouring concessions would adversely affect its
raw material supply and lead to downsizing of its operation are
unfounded.
He substantiated his point by illustrating figures that show that
Barama was under-harvesting its own concession.
“It must be noted that a total of 1.6 million hectares have been issued
to Barama…
“Currently, Barama's level of utilisation of its concession acreage is
about 20 per cent.”
He said that based on the annual plan inventory data submitted to the
GFC by Barama for 2007, the company could harvest some 43,000 cubic
meters of Baromalli logs that are 40 centimeters and more in diameter
(used for plywood production) as opposed to their current extraction of
only 14,585 cubic meters up to September 2007.
He added that for 2006, only 12,319 cubic meters of Baromalli logs were
harvested from Barama concession area which indicated that Barama was
not making maximum use of the extensive acreage leased to it.
Persaud said that the underutilisation of the land was of great concern
to the GFC and the Ministry.
Protest aborted…Barama contradicts previous statements, says no retrenchment forthcoming ‘GFC acted unconstitutionally' - Lalaram
Protest aborted…Barama contradicts previous statements, says no
retrenchment
forthcoming
‘GFC acted unconstitutionally' - Lalaram
Kaieteur News, 26 October 2007
Hundreds of employees attached to Barama Company Limited yesterday
converged on Square of the Revolution to protest the recent sanctions
imposed on the company that, according to its chairman, Girwar Lalaram,
threatened job security.
However, before they could stage the protest, the Barama management
informed them that they need not fear losing their jobs; that there
would be no retrenchment.
And in what appeared to be a contradiction of a statement issued
earlier, Lalaram told the workers that he had taken a position not to
retrench anyone and assured them of their job security and their wages
for the lost days.
“I promise faithfully as chairman of the company, there will be no job
loss, irrespective…We will continue to bear the cost…I am publicly
saying that there will be no loss of jobs.”
He continued a few minutes later to say, however, that he was scheduled
to meet with Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud at 15:30 hrs yesterday
to discuss the issue of job security for his workers among other
issues.
Persaud acknowledged that he did speak with Lalaram and arranged a
tentative meeting based on his availability.
The meeting never came to fruition; further, Kaieteur News understands
that Lalaram never showed up for the meeting.
The chairman yesterday vehemently defended his company saying that
there was no intention to defraud the government of anything but noted
that with a company of such magnitude, procedural as well as human
error would occur.
When the news of the collusion to defraud the state of royalties was
made public Lalaram had disclosed “such a sudden suspension means there
will be workers without jobs immediately.”
In a release to the media on Wednesday, Lalaram is quoted as saying,
“Barama is deeply concerned that the penalties will cost jobs and have
a detrimental impact on Barama's continued investment in the country.”
Yesterday, Lalaram acknowledged to Barama employees at Square of the
Revolution that he did make a statement to the press saying that there
would be immediate loss of jobs. “I want to assure that I've been
engaged in discussions with Government officials and I will continue
talk with (them) to have the issue resolved.”
According to Lalaram, the government was willing to meet with Barama to
have an amicable solution.
He continued to emphasise that the allegations against Barama were
unfounded. “It has brought the integrity and credibility of the company
and employees to a level of disgrace.”
Lalaram told media operatives yesterday that the action taken by the
workers was not a protest but rather that it evolved out of the
statement that insinuated that there would be loss of jobs for which
the workers were fearful.
According to Lalaram, after the announcement of the alleged collusion
he responded to the Guyana Forestry Commission but this was not
acknowledged.
Instead, the GFC stated, “(It) communicated the findings of the
investigation to the Minister of Agriculture who then directed that
these be shared with the four companies for written responses to the
identified breach of procedures…All four companies submitted responses,
but did not adequately address the concerns outlined by the GFC.”
When confronted with the statements by GFC pertaining to responses,
Lalaram questioned the government's intentions or objective. He added
that he would engage in discussions with the government given that the
welfare of his workers was at stake.
According to Lalaram, the company was only confronted with the
allegations and not the findings.
He also blasted the GFC for acting irrationally in its disclosure of
the information rather than discussing it with Barama.
He added that the fine of $96M was questionable. “I don't know how they
arrived at that figure.”
He also accused the GFC of acting unconstitutionally saying that they
had no right to impose a fine, contending that only the police were
entrusted with that power.
Lalaram insisted that all logging by Barama was legal and that he could
prove such with the relevant documentation. He has not ruled out the
possibility of a legal appeal.
Less than a month after a forestry probe was launched into an apparent
collusion between Barama Company Limited and Guyana Forestry Commission
(GFC) officials to defraud state of revenue, the suspicions were
confirmed and the company fined $96.4M.
Also implicated in the racket are A. Mazaharally and Sons Limited,
Barakat Timbers Limited, and N. Sukul and Sons.
Barama was found culpable of under declaration of forest produce
harvested as well as the false declaration with respect to the origin
of forest produce harvested.
According to the GFC, in July 2007, Barama transported a quantity of
logs harvested from a concession issued to Barakat Timbers Limited, to
Buck Hall and the quantity of logs declared to the GFC were below the
harvested amount.
The findings of the investigation also revealed that Barama harvested
and removed without GFC permission, a large quantity of logs from a
concession issued to A. Mazaharally and Sons Limited further, tags
issued to Barama and Barakat Timbers Limited were used on stumps
located within the concession issued to A. Mazaharally and Sons.
Barama was also found guilty of removing a quantity of logs from
concessions issued to N. Sukul and Sons without approval from the GFC.
Additionally the two GFC officers cited for ineffective monitoring of
the concession that resulted in the breaches being possible have been
dismissed.
retrenchment
forthcoming
‘GFC acted unconstitutionally' - Lalaram
Kaieteur News, 26 October 2007
Hundreds of employees attached to Barama Company Limited yesterday
converged on Square of the Revolution to protest the recent sanctions
imposed on the company that, according to its chairman, Girwar Lalaram,
threatened job security.
However, before they could stage the protest, the Barama management
informed them that they need not fear losing their jobs; that there
would be no retrenchment.
And in what appeared to be a contradiction of a statement issued
earlier, Lalaram told the workers that he had taken a position not to
retrench anyone and assured them of their job security and their wages
for the lost days.
“I promise faithfully as chairman of the company, there will be no job
loss, irrespective…We will continue to bear the cost…I am publicly
saying that there will be no loss of jobs.”
He continued a few minutes later to say, however, that he was scheduled
to meet with Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud at 15:30 hrs yesterday
to discuss the issue of job security for his workers among other
issues.
Persaud acknowledged that he did speak with Lalaram and arranged a
tentative meeting based on his availability.
The meeting never came to fruition; further, Kaieteur News understands
that Lalaram never showed up for the meeting.
The chairman yesterday vehemently defended his company saying that
there was no intention to defraud the government of anything but noted
that with a company of such magnitude, procedural as well as human
error would occur.
When the news of the collusion to defraud the state of royalties was
made public Lalaram had disclosed “such a sudden suspension means there
will be workers without jobs immediately.”
In a release to the media on Wednesday, Lalaram is quoted as saying,
“Barama is deeply concerned that the penalties will cost jobs and have
a detrimental impact on Barama's continued investment in the country.”
Yesterday, Lalaram acknowledged to Barama employees at Square of the
Revolution that he did make a statement to the press saying that there
would be immediate loss of jobs. “I want to assure that I've been
engaged in discussions with Government officials and I will continue
talk with (them) to have the issue resolved.”
According to Lalaram, the government was willing to meet with Barama to
have an amicable solution.
He continued to emphasise that the allegations against Barama were
unfounded. “It has brought the integrity and credibility of the company
and employees to a level of disgrace.”
Lalaram told media operatives yesterday that the action taken by the
workers was not a protest but rather that it evolved out of the
statement that insinuated that there would be loss of jobs for which
the workers were fearful.
According to Lalaram, after the announcement of the alleged collusion
he responded to the Guyana Forestry Commission but this was not
acknowledged.
Instead, the GFC stated, “(It) communicated the findings of the
investigation to the Minister of Agriculture who then directed that
these be shared with the four companies for written responses to the
identified breach of procedures…All four companies submitted responses,
but did not adequately address the concerns outlined by the GFC.”
When confronted with the statements by GFC pertaining to responses,
Lalaram questioned the government's intentions or objective. He added
that he would engage in discussions with the government given that the
welfare of his workers was at stake.
According to Lalaram, the company was only confronted with the
allegations and not the findings.
He also blasted the GFC for acting irrationally in its disclosure of
the information rather than discussing it with Barama.
He added that the fine of $96M was questionable. “I don't know how they
arrived at that figure.”
He also accused the GFC of acting unconstitutionally saying that they
had no right to impose a fine, contending that only the police were
entrusted with that power.
Lalaram insisted that all logging by Barama was legal and that he could
prove such with the relevant documentation. He has not ruled out the
possibility of a legal appeal.
Less than a month after a forestry probe was launched into an apparent
collusion between Barama Company Limited and Guyana Forestry Commission
(GFC) officials to defraud state of revenue, the suspicions were
confirmed and the company fined $96.4M.
Also implicated in the racket are A. Mazaharally and Sons Limited,
Barakat Timbers Limited, and N. Sukul and Sons.
Barama was found culpable of under declaration of forest produce
harvested as well as the false declaration with respect to the origin
of forest produce harvested.
According to the GFC, in July 2007, Barama transported a quantity of
logs harvested from a concession issued to Barakat Timbers Limited, to
Buck Hall and the quantity of logs declared to the GFC were below the
harvested amount.
The findings of the investigation also revealed that Barama harvested
and removed without GFC permission, a large quantity of logs from a
concession issued to A. Mazaharally and Sons Limited further, tags
issued to Barama and Barakat Timbers Limited were used on stumps
located within the concession issued to A. Mazaharally and Sons.
Barama was also found guilty of removing a quantity of logs from
concessions issued to N. Sukul and Sons without approval from the GFC.
Additionally the two GFC officers cited for ineffective monitoring of
the concession that resulted in the breaches being possible have been
dismissed.
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