AS a Guyanese living in Guyana, I feel compelled to voice my opinion and observations with regards to the ongoing issue of Government/Forestry Commission putting in place measures to curb the deforestation of our Dear Land of Guyana. Firstly, it is a total misconception that the Government/Commission is impeding or thwarting efforts of ordinary small scale miners to conduct their livelihood which involves cutting trees. The Forestry Commission is simply asking for six months notice in advance for the sole purpose of verification. That is to say if someone is requesting to operate in a specific area, the Commission ground employee could verify if it is, or is not feasible to cut a tree or fell trees in that area.
Because of the Commission’s policy of sustainable deforestation, there is a measurement requirement with regards to the distance between the felling of trees. It is widely known that small scare miners hardly ever pay attention to or have any regard for the Forestry Commission’s policy of sustainable deforestation.
Having penned my opinion, allow me to express my observations.
I am very familiar with most government agencies and building, private sector agencies and building as well as most privately owned business places in Georgetown and its environs. Having said that I am sternly penning my observations and challenging anyone to dispute it:
(1)    It is a widely known fact that Guyana Forestry Commission under the current Commissioner Mr. James Singh has been and still is among the top five state entities in Guyana that brings in the most financial inputs, mainly foreign currency into the government’s coffers.
The Guyana Forestry Commission office/building compound along with its fleet of vehicles is among the best kept entity in the country. Pay a visit to this Kingston office and permit yourself to use the washroom. Take a peep into the security guard huts, the receptionist room, the drivers’ room and observe the standard of cleanliness and maintenance with regards to its fleet of vehicles. Talk to guards, staff and stakeholders who interact with and do business with Forestry Commission, you’ll undoubtedly agree with me that the policies and directives under Commissioner Mr. James Singh serves no other purpose than to improve the living standard of Guyanese and continued sustainability of our forest.
Come on support the Forestry Commission’s efforts to monitor the deforestation of our land.