Region 10 loggers welcome Minister Bharrat’s commitment to supporting the forestry sector

Dear Editor,
We, the small loggers of Region Ten, particularly from Linden, Kwakwani and Ituni, would like to congratulate the new Minister of Natural Resources with responsibility for the forestry sector, Mr. Vickram Bharrat, on his assumption to this prestigious and envied office.
Genuine concern for the forestry sector was witnessed when Minister Bharrat made a commitment to support staff of the Guyana Forestry Commission, who have been suffering equally with small loggers because of the mismanagement of the sector by the previous administration.
Please note that many changes were made to the management of this sector by the APNU/AFC Administration without consultation with any stakeholder. Political officers sit in their offices and made these changes. One such action was the crippling of the Bai Shan Lin company which had been purchasing logs from small rural loggers and community forestry organisations in Linden, Kwakwani and Ituni. This resulted in hundreds, if not thousands, of families being affected directly by reduced incomes and, in some instances, no income at all. This forced some of our members to protest in 2019; but, to date, no relief has been granted. Based on Minister Bharrat’s interactions with the agencies under his control, we have concluded that he is a good listener; and, as such, we propose that in the immediate to short term, he should consider granting a temporary lift of the ban on the exportation of logs, or a reduction of the taxes applicable on the exportation of logs, or any other such initiative.
Investors need incentives to invest, so that small loggers and those involved in community forestry would be able to supply logs for export.
Further, the local market is already saturated with forest produce. As such, the only immediate option is to secure investors and export markets, which would allow small loggers to supply logs and other forest produce.In closing, we, the small loggers, along with community forestry organisations within Region 10, are looking forward to meeting with the Minister of Natural Resources and other stakeholders, to engage in discussions on how to improve the sector using a bottom-up approach. Once again, congratulations to Minister Bharrat on his appointment, as we seek to work together to transform the forestry sector for the benefit of all Guyanese.

Sincerely,
M. Fraser
Region 10 small logger