In Region 10… New forestry strategy discussed with stakeholders

In Region 10…
New forestry strategy discussed with stakeholders
By Joe Chapman
Guyana Chronicle, 25 October 2007

MINISTER of Agriculture, Mr. Robert Persaud has implored the people in
Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice) not to be resistant to change,
because what Government is doing is not intended to harm but ensure
resources are available for a long time.

He made the appeal to stakeholders who showed up in large numbers, at
Mackenzie, Linden, for a discourse on forestry, a sector included in
his portfolio.

Commissioner of Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), Mr. James Singh and
Head of the National Agriculture Research Institute (NARI), Dr. Oudho
Homenauth were in a team accompanying him as the Minister solicited
support from the audience.

Persaud exhorted the gathering of loggers, sawmillers, chainsaw
operators and other forestry producers, some from as far as Kwakwani,
Berbice River, not to resist what may seemingly present itself as an
imposition.

He said the uniqueness of Region 10 and the situation of Linden timber
manufacturers are best represented as the Government, through the GFC.

Persaud said Government is not only looking at the economic benefits
when pursuing forestry development from that standpoint but a lot of
emphasis is placed on the social aspect.

He said the various associations and groupings are not working for
charity as they make money and the GFC has a clear mandate to ensure
there is equitable access to the forestry resources.

Persaud said, when this Government took office, there was an “untidy
situation” in the previous dispensation where forestry resources were
“hugged by a few big players.”

He said this has changed and what is not being seen is that individuals
were brought together as associations and groups to play a role in the
sector as stakeholders and the move has been a successful achievement
by the Government through the GFC.

Persaud said that strategy will be maintained for the resources to be
used beneficially, with certain guidelines that dictate how the GFC
would operate in the future, from the perspective of enforcing
sanctions throughout the country.

The watchword must, however, be “working together” by all involved, to
bring about a change, come 2008, in the forestry sector especially.

Among the concerns raised by many in attendance at the forum was,
perhaps, the possible extinction of the small chainsaw operators with
the new measures to take effect next year.

But Persaud assured that everything is not cast in concrete and the
process will be “fine tuned” although the broad parameters will not be
compromised.

He said, if there are issues, the GFC is willing to receive specific
proposals and fit them into the objectives and goals of the new
initiative, while, at the same time, taking care, in the short, medium
and even long term, of some concerns.

Minister Persaud reiterated that the intention is not to close down
anyone’s operation but to regularise things.

Regional Chairman, Mr. Mortimer Mingo said the Regional Democratic
Council (RDC) is committed to the development of the forestry and
agricultural sectors, including efforts at sustainable activities.

Commissioner Singh remarked that, in the past, the GFC has had a very
good working relationship with the different operators in the Region
and he made a power point presentation on the standardisation of
forestry operations in Guyana.

He said he is looking forward to a “complete buying in” to the GFC’s
new strategy of operations by the Region 10 forestry operators in 2008.