Contrary to reports in the media that Demerara Timbers Limited (DTL) has been phasing out operations with the intention of ceasing operations in Guyana, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman has disclosed that the company has no such plans.
Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotma6
In fact, he explained at a press conference on Friday that the logging company has indicated to government its intention to continue operations here. However Trotman pointed out that because of the slowdown in the Asian markets, Demerara Timbers has scaled down operations.
“Following consultations between the ministry and the company, we have been assured that the company has every desire to continue in Guyana, but of course because of the slowdown in the Asian markets, they have slowed some operations and production but there is no intention to leave the country or to surrender their operations,” the Minister asserted, adding that a statement to this effect from the company is imminent.
DTL has attracted much criticism of recent over the sacking of 11 protesting workers, who were advocating for pay increases. It was reported that some 72 workers were on a retrenchment list, which would be effected by December.
The company reportedly disclosed its intended plans during a meeting held on Tuesday last with the Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU), after it was asked to defend its decision to fire the workers who protested at DTL’s headquarters in Kingston, Georgetown, the week before.
On October 3, workers took industrial action in their quest for a pay raise. However, the next day nine DTL employees were handed pink slips and the other two met the same fate over the next few days. A move vehemently condemned by GAWU.
In fact, the union on Wednesday issued a statement pointing out that this is the first time that a private or public entity has taken such an action despite the country’s labour laws, which prohibits workplaces from dismissing workers for taking industrial action. GAWU had pointed out that DTL’s actions are a violation of Section Eight of the Termination of Employment and Severance Pay Act.
These events raised concerns within the Natural Resources Ministry, which during the past week said that the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) has been mandated to investigate and provide a report on the situation with the company.
Nevertheless, Minister Trotman noted on Friday that the Social Protection Ministry is looking into the industrial unrests involving the company, its workers and the union, and is currently engaging the logging company.
“So we are thankful the Ministry of Social Protection has intervened and so we expect the matter will be resolved quickly to the best interest of both the company and the workers; and as a norm, hopefully the workers will regain their employment and not be punished,” the Natural Resources Minister posited.
Demerara Timber Limited has over 516,000 hectares in Timber Sales Agreement in areas at Mabura, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), making it one of the largest concession holders in the country. The company is officially controlled by an investor, who is said to be from Malaysia.
