Dear Editor,
The Guyanese public has recently been inundated with the topical issue of UK Ban on Guyana’s premium species, greenheart or commonly iron wood. Greenheart has been traded on the international market for decades unhindered. It is an important species for the growth and development of the forest sector and Guyana economy as a whole.
The recent attack against the Government and the private sector (GMSA&FPA) by Dr Janette Bulkan on the ban is utmost ridiculous. Her assessment and presentation on the matter is flawed and does not have any scientific background or foundation. Rather she uses already published scientific work of the GFC and renowned scientist and try to bore holes and criticise their studies, rather than come up with her own work of findings.
I would be happy to read and review some of her scientific work on core environment and forestry matters such as growth and yield of greenheart, greenheart distribution, allowable cut, diameter sizes, canopy cover, soils etc, her own work not using other people work.
Her continued attack on the government and private sector regarding this species is reckless and as noted above, very flawed and cannot stand up to any scrutiny.
Guyana’s forest has been subject to many international and credible audits and has always been regarded as one of the best managed forests in the world. It’s surprising or just wicked that Dr Bulkan is not aware of these or very conveniently puts on blinders to these credible international opinions on Guyana’s forest.
She can’t be so naïve to think that Norway will pay Guyana US$250M for a poorly managed Forest. Her attack on Guyana’s forest not only damages overseas market but is an indictment on Guyana’s green economy plan and is the brainchild projects of President Granger.
Sustainable forest management is the core or foundation of a green economy. Dr Bulkan’s attack on Guyana’s forest management system is therefore an attack and disrespect to President Granger and the entire Guyanese people.
What we are sure about is that she is not a patriotic Guyanese who wants better for our people and children. She was an advocate for change, change has come and she continues to attack and disrespect the office of the president and the government.
I wonder if she is upset at President Granger for not being considered for the post of presidential adviser on environment or adviser on forestry? President Granger is right in his wisdom not to appoint her in any key positions as we can see what she delivers.
I call for a public debate on this greenheart matter, let Dr Bulkan be invited to give presentation on her reasoning for Ban and let the GFC and private sector be allowed to do a similar presentation on the matter and lets have an open public discussion on the matter. Let’s stop all the letter writing and debate on the matter in the public. I am sure the GFC or the GMSA and FPA will more than willing facilitate this forum.
Finally Dr Bulkan illustration of black cake is another example of her myopic vision on the topic. My grandmother used to make a good black cake, I still have friends who can make good black cake and offer Dr Bulkan and her partner John Pamer to enjoy as they did with the water coconuts sitting in a hammock in the Waini village some years ago under the pretence of doing a crabwood oil management plan for the community.
I am sure the people of Waini have more to say on Dr Bulkan and John Pamer holidaying in the Waini community.
Yours sincerely,
Peter Persaud
