Essequibo lumber yard operators updated on new regulations

Georgetown, GINA, October 21, 2007

The Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) as part of its countrywide campaign to ensure compliance with regulations that will be enforced from January 2008 is promoting improved sawmilling and lumber yard operations among stakeholders in Essequibo.
The regulations, which target quality control and improvement in operations by lumber yard dealers and operators, were outline for enforcement in 2007. However, it was later extended to ensure that stakeholders fully understand the regulations.
            In this regard, a national campaign as launched by GFC to heighten awareness and understanding of the regulations. Three sessions were planned for the various counties to allow for discussions on the regulations.
            Sessions were previously held in Demerara and Berbice while the final workshop was held on October 20 at Region Two’s Regional Democratic Council located at Anna Regina, Essequibo Coast.
            Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud noted that the regulations are in keeping with  Government’s efforts to promote more sustainable forestry development and that operations are constantly improved to meet requirements of national and international standard.

He noted that Government, through the GFC remains committed to ensuring that all guidelines are followed and that all inefficiencies are rectified through collaboration with the relevant stakeholders.
GFC is also developing employment contracts that will become mandatory for employers and their staff in the forestry sector to ensure security of agreement by both parties. This will be circulated among the stakeholders and shared with the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs since there have been reports of unfair treatment meted to some persons employed by various lumber operators.
This issue was raised by one of the participants of the workshop and Minister Persaud advised that although GFC is not responsible for such matters, it has an obligation to protect the rights of all stakeholders and if reports of such matters are made, the Commission will collaborate with the relevant agencies to investigate and allow for further action.

GFC has previously promoted grading and segregation of lumber as part of the regulations but there was only minimum compliance. This is one of the requirements that will become mandatory in 2008. Through the GFC, more than 200 persons were trained in timber grading to ensure adequate personnel to help stakeholders meet the requirements set by the Commission.
Additionally, the regulations seek to ensure that products available locally and exported are of the highest standard which is important to increasing competitiveness in the sector. Use of improved technology, adequate drying and storage are some of the areas being addressed in this regard.
Commissioner of Forest James Singh, Director of the Forest Product Marketing Council Luvindra Sukraj and Deputy Commissioner of Forest Tasreef Khan were among those present at the session.

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