I note with disgust the usual and regurgitated ranting of Janette Bulkhan and her letter in the December 21, edition of Kaieteur News titled “Lumber shortage, the data and the forest sector” is no different. Mr. Editor, I have been involved within the forestry sector for more than 20 years. This is how I sustain my family comfortably and created employment for more than 40 persons directly and Bulkan’s letter is not surprising as she has made it her duty to harm and bring disrepute to this sector. At a glance at Bulkan’s letter I would like to highlight and clarify a few points because of my involvement with the sector and the Guyana Forestry Commission:

1.  There has been an active role by the Guyana Forestry Commission and other support groups to promote value added production through an aggressive campaign by the GFC via the media, consultations and other stakeholders’ engagements.
2.  Value added production was further supported by a policy decision of the GFC and the government to remove a 2% export tax on KILN lumber, it is now 0%.
3.  All of those who are integrally involved in the sector know that that the Guyana Forestry Commission does not control yield by species. However, there will be a review of the code of practice for yield by species, which will be transparent and open to the views of all stakeholders.
4. The GFC has been actively promoting the use of lesser known species via the media, public interaction and other stakeholders’ engagements to lessen the dependence on traditional species.
5. There was delay of the amendments to the new Log Export Policy due to a sloth  of submission by the GMSA and the FPA on the new log export policy and not by default of the GFC.

Further, Ms. Janette Bulkhan was present at the said National Log Export Consultation and did not say a word for or against what was proposed and what was discussed, but low and behold she is once again vocal on this issue. Additionally, the National Log Export Consultation was implemented with all views and not unilaterally imposed upon the stakeholders, as is being peddled by Bulkan to continue the spread of misinformation.

Finally, I would like for Janette Bulkan to stop playing politics and make meaningful and constructive criticisms and recommendations if she can find it in her heart rather than remain sour and remorseful.