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Why is our Govt. using imported pine wood?
Dear Editor,
The logging community has been sitting in silence for years now whilst the importers of pine lumber are pushing the local lumber producers into extinction. We the organized representatives of the local loggers have sat idly by and allowed this pine wood importation to continue unchecked.
Now ply wood from China and Brazil have flooded our local markets due to low importation taxes, and zero grading.
The competition has gone so far that even government contracts and government offices are using pine wood. Shameful! Should we continue to be silent while our lumber industry shunts into extinction?
Our government must remember the jobs that are lost, the skills that are unutilized should we allow this free trade to continue. Let us be more strategic in our approach in developing our beautiful nation.
If we so desire cheap low density wood, let us establish plantations in degraded areas, using our local fast growing species, instead of exotic species.
Promotion of the use of wood for building purposes is paramount to the industry being propelled in a positive direction.
Why can’t we build three, four and five bedrooms houses anymore in Guyana? Why is society so dependent on concrete; which has a negative impact on our health.
We are therefore advocating that the astute Government of Guyana implement measures that will impact positively on the forestry sector. The following are some suggestions for considerations in order of importance:
1. Institute high taxes and grading rules on imported lumber and plywood.
2. Remove the VAT from lumber and forest products. It is important that the Government examine the value and volume of timber products produced every year.
The imposition of VAT came at a time when production and market demands are at their lowest in sector. The VAT requirement will only put the market into greater jeopardy.
3. Establish a national processing facility which will purchase logs from small operators for value added processing and marketing. This institution can also conduct training in kiln drying and wood treatment techniques.
4. Provide incentives/support to community groups and companies that want to engage in downstream processing
5. Use only local lumber in Government contracts. Mora and Bulletwood can be substituted for Greenheart.
6. Have representative from small loggers groups on the Board of Direction for forest related agencies.
I am confident that the Government of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana will see the merit in this letter and take speedy action to implement same.
Experienced logger
Charles Thom
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