Quality control regulations being promoted among lumber yard dealers - part of Gov’t plan for continued forestry development

Georgetown, GINA, September 18, 2007.

Government’s interest in sustainable forestry development has resulted in the establishment and enforcement of various regulations and standards, seeking to improve various aspects of operations in the industry.
At present, focus is being placed on enforcement of regulations targeting quality control and improvement in operations by lumber yard dealers and operators to ensure compliance with safety requirements and availability of quality products to meet consumers’ demand. The regulations were initially announced in 2006 for implementation in 2007. However, a one-year grace period was granted for stakeholders to make necessary adjustments and comply with the regulations while the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) will work with the stakeholders to ensure the requirements are met.
In this regard, a series of consultations are planned for the various counties to discuss enforcement of the regulations. The first was held today at the Guyana School of Agriculture (GSA), Mon Repos, East Coast Demerara.
Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud said the regulations is part of an overall programme to ensure that all forest operations are in accordance with national guidelines and meet the highest international standard. The exercise today is intended to help the targeted group better understand the regulations and the expectations of GFC so that enforcement can be easier. This is important because if the requirements are not met, GFC will be compelled by the laws of Guyana to ensure that the operators do so or face the necessary penalties which will focus on the licensing process for 2008.
  The Minister noted that the Commission, under the recent amendment to the GFC Act, has the legal obligation to ensure environmental, economic and social development of the forestry sector. In this regard, GFC must take the necessary steps to ensure the working environment is conducive, taking into account occupational health and safety regulations.
GFC has previously promoted grading and segregation of lumber as part of the regulations but there was only a minimum compliance. This is one of the requirements that will be mandatory for operation 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 highlighted some of the issues that will be targeted under the regulations including the need for more mechanization, use of modern facilities and technology, better consumer loyalty, improved safety and more processing activities.
Director of the Forest Product Marketing Council Luvindra Sukraj also made a presentation on the current situation as it relates to lumber yard operations and a brief summary of what needs to be done.   
Last year, regulations were published for other stakeholders to comply with effect from January 1, 2007. Concession holders were mandated to prepare a Forest Management Plan and an Annual Operational Plan, which must be based on a 100 percent inventory of the concession.
            In addition, they are required to ensure that all their employees are knowledgeable about GFC guidelines and that these are properly implemented. These include proper completion and timely submission of documentation (removal, permits, transshipment, sawmill returns etc) and strict compliance with log tagging procedures.
            Over the years, government has been updating policies and laws relating to the forestry sector. In 1996, a National Development Strategy was drafted. This provides guidance for the development of the sector by identifying national development objectives and constraints.
              The forestry sector contributes more than six percent to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employs approximately 25000 persons, particularly in rural communities where forestry activities generate income for many households.

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