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Chinese Companies corrupting Guyana’s Forestry Sector
Dear Editor,
As a former staff of the Guyana Forestry Commission I believe an investigation should be done to look at the preferential treatment being given to Chinese companies in Guyana, but in particular to those operating in the forestry sector. The reason I say this is because of the following:
– This Government has started to revoke concessions from companies who have not commenced operations. They have done this for a company called Garner Forest Industries among others. But yet, they have not done so for a Chinese owned company that has received a concession over five years now but done nothing with it.
– Currently another Chinese company is buying up forest concessions through Joint Ventures. This is clearly illegal but the fact that the company can present this in public as reported in several newspaper means there is some official sanction. This particular company has no respect for Guyana’s laws; they have started building roads, clearing forests, mining materials etc. without the permission of key agencies who are supposed to regulate these operations. The only agency who has stood up to them has been the GGMC who issued several cease orders. Not a word has been forthcoming from the EPA, and the GFC, instead of playing its regulatory role, issues a statement in support of the company’s investment. Something is clearly wrong here.
– There is yet another Chinese company that has started operations without the necessary approvals from GFC, EPA or other Agencies.
Mr. Editor, I bring this to your attention because it seems like there are separate rules for Chinese companies operating in Guyana. We saw the situation with Marriott where Guyanese taxpayers are funding this building but Guyanese are not allowed to work on the project.
Mr. Editor, it is being reported that these Chinese companies have paid off high officials of Government and they are saying they can’t be touched. Maybe this is the reason why none of the agencies, apart from GGMC is taking a stand against these companies.
I am pleading with your newspaper to highlight this letter and for there to be an urgent investigation into what is happening in the forest sector with these Chinese companies.
Former Staff of GFC
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