Indigenous villages urged to embrace value-added ventures

Indigenous villages, particularly those already involved in logging and forestry, are being urged to expand their economic activities by exploring value-added production such as furniture, charcoal, and even toothpicks.
This call was made by Natural Resources Ministry, Vickram Bharrat, during his address at the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference. He stressed that the real economic potential lies not in the export of raw materials, but in local manufacturing and processing.
Bharrat bemoaned that for years, the country would export its raw materials, only to import products that could be manufactured locally.
“We export our raw gold and then buy back fancy jewellery, we export our bauxite ore and we buy back aluminium products, we export our agriculture products and we buy back processed products…we have to change that so that we can really and truly enjoy the benefits of our resources,” the minister expressed.
On a smaller scale, he highlighted how many hinterland communities export logs, only to later purchase school furniture made from similar materials.
As a solution, Minister Bharrat encouraged these villages to develop furniture manufacturing capabilities, pointing out that the government, through the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), will provide free training opportunities for interested residents.
He emphasised that shifting towards value-added industries would not only increase profits but also create much-needed jobs within these communities.
Another example, according to the minister, is toothpick production. He explained that “even toothpicks we import in Guyana…Imagine that? In a country that has the second highest forest coverage that is engaged in logging, boasts over 1000 different species of wood, yet we import these basic things.”
Opportunity also exists in the manufacturing of charcoal, he said, noting that a group along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway is already engaged in this production and is packaging their products to international standards for export.

Legitimate
Meanwhile, Bharrat is urging Indigenous communities engaged in gold mining to ensure the resources are sold to only legitimate buyers, warning that to do otherwise is illegal.
“Ensure your production is sold to a legitimate buyer, it is your responsibility as a leader and as a Guyanese to ensure that your production is sold to a legitimate buyer,” the minister told those gathered at the NTC.
“…because there are accusations and many allegations that gold is not being sold to legitimate buyers and maybe it is crossing our borders illegally; we don’t want that,” he added.
The Natural Resources Minister emphasised that “…we want our resources to remain in our country”
He also reminded the Indigenous leaders that it is illegal to sell gold to illegitimate buyers.
“You’re robbing your country of resources, you’re robbing yourself and your own community of resources when you do that,” the minister explained, reminding that the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) has established offices outside of Georgetown in areas such as Bartica, Mahdia, Port Kaituma and Marudi.
Earlier this year, Bharrat had announced that government’s crackdown on gold smuggling will intensify.
Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo had also noted that several intelligence operations are ongoing to curb this practice.
Last year, gold brought in earnings to the tune of US$989 million, an increase of over US$180 million.