Bai Shan Lin logging scandal…Evidence more than enough to warrant an immediate investigation- TIGI tells Gov’t.

- No amount of revenue can compensate for the destruction of our forest resources

While the evidence of wanton exploitation of Guyana’s forests has been exposed by this publication, the oversight bodies; The Guyana Forestry Commission and the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, have started a campaign in an effort to repair the damage done to their image and refute the claims.

logs waiting to be shipped from Bai Shan Lin’s Kwakwani Site

Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. (TIGI) via a missive yesterday said that it has been following with keen interest, the various news reports of the apparent exploitation of precious forest resources through the indiscriminate logging and exportation of logs, especially by two overseas companies reportedly enjoying substantial concessions from the Government of Guyana. However, TIGI said that there are conflicting reports as to whether these companies; Bai Shan Lin and Baitarani, are permitted to conduct logging operations and to export the logs under the terms and conditions of their respective contracts with the Government. The agency noted that it is also unclear whether the companies’ operations are in conformity with Guyana’s laws, specifically the Guyana Forestry Commission Act and the Environmental Protection Act. TIGI said that it finds it particularly troubling that both the Ministry of National Resources and the Guyana Forestry Commission have opted to defend the operations of the companies even in the face of damning photographical evidence. TIGI noted too that the defence by the Commission and the Ministry are cushioned with information that appears incomplete and misleading. In light of all that has been highlighted by various outlets, TIGI believes that it is more than substantial for the Government to make available publicly, the contracts entered into with the two overseas companies. The anti-corruption agency also stated that the findings of the media and the public outrage, is also more than enough for the Government to place a halt on the operations of the companies until the truth is determined. It also sought to remind the Government of its obligation under Article 149 (2) of the Constitution which requires the State to “protect the environment, for the benefit of present and future generations, through reasonable and other legislative measures designed to – (a) prevent pollution and ecological degradation; (b) promote conservation; and (c) secure sustainable development and use of natural resources while promoting justifiable economic and social development”. At the same time, TIGI strongly recommended that the Government take urgent measures to provide for an independent investigation to determine whether there has been any violation by the companies or any related entities, of their contractual and statutory obligations. Only after it is determined that there are no such breaches, should the two companies be allowed to continue operations, the agency suggested. It said too, that recommendations from such an investigation should be applied across the entire sector and lead to a strengthening of the laws and procedures regulating the sector. TIGI is also of the view that even if these two companies are operating within the confines of their contractual arrangements with the Government, to the extent that such arrangements conflict with national interest, especially as regards the protection of Guyana’s environment and forest resources, the contracts should be rescinded forthwith.

Quote " The advertisement which carries a headline “Bai Shan Lin forest operations are in compliance with the sustainable forest management and legality guidelines of Guyana” was accompanied by a photo captioned “Bai Shan Lin Linden Timber Processing Plant” Bulkan told the media yesterday that the photo which accompanied the ad is nothing else but fake. unquote

"Guyana is seeing unfold is a classic example of industrial scale corruption. Bulkan said this as he questioned “why else would our government allow this…they need to explain the reasoning behind allowing a foreign company to extract and export our resources on a large scale and give the country little or nothing in return.” ....Ronald Bulkan

Ramotar has demonstrated that he is a thief just like jagdeo and the rest of the cabal. 

These fellows are all into raping and pillaging and destroying Guyana. When they are done the chinese will have destroyed our forests, polluted the land and killed off the fishing population. 

The chinese are investing a ton of money getting trawlers to Guyana. Ramsammy is actively working on that as we speak.

They are about to give a fishing license to a Chinese factory ship! These fellows are without conscience.

  Baseman was right we should not speak up about anything going in Guyana especially if the PPP sell the whole country to China.

We should shut we mouth and be dumb like him.

The company’s concessions are illustrated in one of the slides in Chu Wenze’s presentation:

According to the website Global Timber, these concessions were taken over from other concession holders, a process known as “landlording” which is illegal in Guyana (unless officially authorised by the President). Under Guyanese law, forest concessions cannot be traded, but must be re-advertised by the Forestry Commission in an open auction.

Last week, Bai Shan Lin ignored a cease order issued by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission at a sand excavation pit in Moblissa. The company has received no permission for excavation work in the area and this is the third time that the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission has issued a cease order. Bai Shan Lin has also started construction of a road, without any permission.

Despite the company’s record, among its supporters is Guyana’s ex-President Bharrat Jagdeo.