– 200 employees back on the job
MINISTER of Agriculture Robert Persaud was on Friday informed that Barama’s plywood factory at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara has resumed operations.
In October 2010, 274 of the company’s employees were formally laid off following a boiler explosion at the Land of Canaan location.
President Bharrat Jagdeo had met with the laid off workers and promised to provide them with a three-month stipend of $25,000 per month in exchange for them to learn the use of the computer. This promise was fulfilled.
On June 1, the company resumed ply production, its Chief Executive Officer Clement Ooi, and Corporate Affairs Secretary Neil Chand told Minister Persaud at his Ministry.
“I am pleased to report that we have resumed production which has been in keeping with our plans that were approved and supported by the Government of Guyana,” Chand said.
He is optimistic that the resumption of production will support Government’s housing drive as well as regional and international markets.
“We want to say special thanks to the Government and other stakeholders for being supportive and understanding during that period,” Chand said.
He also noted that with the new setup at the factory it is anticipated that plywood production will be increased by 50 percent and a recovery rate of 11 percent, which will see maximum utilisation of forestry resources.
“Overall we anticipate that there will be room for further improvement within the operation…so it is definitely a fresh start and, I think it is going to be very positive for the country and more so the timber industry,” Chand assured Minister Persaud.
Minister Persaud said he is satisfied that the timeline set by the Government was met by the company and is looking for increased production as stated by the company.
He also noted that greater availability of plywood on the local market will have a positive impact on the local housing sector.
“I will also insist too, that the price made available, that it takes into account, Barama’s obligation as well as the market conditions …but certainly consumers should look forward for quality as well as to affordable pricing,” Minister Persaud said.
The re-employment of 200 workers will surely have a socio-economic  impact on the local economy, he said.
The company is looking at producing in excess of 2,400 cubic metres of plywood per month from June this year.
Ooi, said that his company is dedicated to its commitment and is looking forward for continuous co-operation and dialogue with the Government.  (GINA)