— says Trotman, as Barama announces closure

THOUGH disappointed with Barama’s recent announcement that hundreds of persons will become jobless after its closure, Government will continue to engage the logging company in conjunction with other authorities to address the plethora of issues that have since arisen.
On Thursday, the Natural Resources Ministry announced that Barama Company Limited has opted not to renew its Forest Concession Agreement which expired on October 15, 2016 after a period of 25 years.
The company has since indicated that more than 500 persons will become redundant.
But Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman said all hope has not been lost.
He said his ministry along with the Guyana Forestry Commission will continue to engage the management of Barama while working in tandem with the Social Protection Ministry, and the workers’ representatives to address the myriad of issues that has since arisen from the relinquishing of the 1.6 million hectare forest concession.
“Any plan going forward will have to take into account the welfare of workers and obligations Barama was obliged to perform under the now expired agreement,” he assured in a ‘Letter to the Editor’ on Saturday, noting that these obligations cannot be brought to an abrupt end.
Minister Trotman said while undergoing changes and transitions, it is key for stakeholders to facilitate a smooth process, thereby avoiding panic, knee-jerk reactions or “one upmanship” tactics.
“Whilst the Government is disappointed by the action of Barama in making statements about workers being laid off even before the relevant entities have met to map the way forward, and is yet unable to find a rational reason why this precipitous action was taken, nevertheless it will continue to provide mature responses, and direction, by engaging all stakeholders objectively and in good faith,” Minister Trotman said.
Similarly, Government expects that the logging company and other stakeholders will remain committed to beneficial talks and will avoid brinkmanship.
In the coming days, all the key stakeholders are expected to meet to begin the process of defining the way forward for the workers, the company, the forest concession and the dwellers and users of the concession, including miners.
“In the coming weeks, as minister responsible, I will personally hold meetings with the workers at the Barama sites at Land of Canaan, East Bank Demerara and Buckhall, Essequibo. Together, we will find the best path forward,” Minister Trotman reassured.
Barama, communicating its decision to the ministry, said it has concluded that it is no longer viable to continue in the forestry operations here in view of prevailing global prices.
The ministry had subsequently said that the decision by the company presents an opportunity for the ministry to engage in a stocktaking exercise, whereby the Government can objectively assess the value of the standing forest through its contribution to the ecosystem while simultaneously examining the value of the past 25 years to the people of Guyana.
“Such an exercise would be pivotal in decision-making as it relates to economic empowerment and development of sustainable livelihoods of present and future generations. Following the review, the Guyana Forestry Commission will shortly be making a determination about the future allocation of the Barama concession,” the ministry stated.
While thanking Barama, the Natural Resources Ministry disclosed that it will engage the company in further discussions on its stated interest in the continuation of the added-value activities.