Government committed to Forestry sector – Prime Minister Hinds
-public consultation to address issues on log export policy held
Georgetown, GINA, February 17, 2007
Government is committed to the continued growth in logging and all activities related to forestry. This assurance was given by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds to forestry producers and manufacturers at a public consultation held at the Regency Suites today..
“This administration is committed to economic growth and to this sector. I want to urge all of you that we cannot achieve anything if we do not work together. Our quarrels have prevented us from seeing our challenges and our achievements,” Prime Minister Hinds said.
The consultation was held as a result of a process which started after separate meetings were held with the Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud, members of the Forest Producers Association (FPA) and the Guyana Manufacturers’ Association (GMA).
Minister Persaud who also addressed the meeting said participants should examine this practice within the context of Guyana’s long-term objective of enhancing economic, social and ecological benefits through sustainable forest management.
“We can do this while at the same time being cognizant of the realities of the sector. As practitioners, you would all be too familiar with the challenges of the availability and the cost of timber production, transformation and transportation coupled with the technological ability to produce to specification,” Minister Persaud explained.
Minister Persaud said the export of logs has been the subject of much discussion and debate with many perspectives being offered.
“The outcome of this deliberation will be very useful for Cabinet’s deliberation on a comprehensive Log Exportation Policy,” Minister Persaud said.
He said despite the internal and external challenges that the Forestry sector encounters, it is still contributing to Guyana’s economic development.
In 2006, the export sales from forestry were US$58.7M compared to US$48.6M in 2005, which is an increase of 20.8 percent.
“This is indeed testimony to the sound policies, programmes and plans of the Government of Guyana over the years, though some may argue this is due in a significant way to log export alone,” Minister Persaud said.
According to Minister Persaud this was reflected within the National Development Strategy (2001-2010), the National Competitiveness Strategy for Guyana, more recently, the PPP/C 2007-2011 Manifesto.
Under the next five-year plan to improve the sector, $338M will be spent to enhance the institutional capacity of the Guyana Forestry Commission to better manage the sector.
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Volunteer programme will continue to function after CWC
- Minister Anthony
Georgetown, GINA, February 17, 2007.
Volunteers, recruited as part of preparations for Cricket World Cup (CWC) in Guyana, have been urged to maintain a hospitable attitude that will portray a good image to the thousands of visitors expected during the mega event.
This theme was emphasized today by several speakers including Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony, at an orientation workshop for the Guyana Volunteer Programme held at the St. Stanislaus College, Brickdam.
The programme involves more than 1, 000 volunteers and it is the first initiative in Guyana that comprises so many volunteers for a single event. It was developed under the auspices of President Bharrat Jagdeo and stemmed from an activity last year to enlist a maximum of 350 volunteers for CWC. More than 750 applications were received for that programme and Government embarked on the development of a special volunteer programme.
The volunteers will participate in various sectors preparing Guyana for hosting CWC and will be equipped to provide necessary assistance and information to foreign and local visitors.
Minister Anthony highlighted the important role that each volunteer will have to play as hosts and ensuring that visitors are impressed with what Guyana has to offer.
He noted that construction of the stadium, provision of adequate transportation and security are some aspects to prepare for CWC but, the attitude and image portrayed by Guyanese is another critical component.
The Minister further stated that Government has plans to continue the Guyana Volunteer Programme after CWC so that the services and talents of the volunteers can be utilised in other events. Some of the volunteers would be recruited to work during the hosting of the RIO Group Summit later this month.
Chief Executive Officer of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) Karran Singh and Director of the Guyana Tourism Association (GTA) Indira Anandjit, implored the volunteers to prepare themselves for all the challenges associated with their duties and to overcome these obstacles.
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