The executive of the Forest Products Association (FPA) yesterday expressed concern over the unrest in Linden which has resulted in food and fuel supplies being unable to reach interior locations.
In a statement to the press, the association noted the blocking of several roadways and bridges.
The Linden/Ituni road and the Mabura/Linden road are the main routes used to access interior locations including concessions in Upper Demerara, Essequibo and Berbice.
John Willems, President of the FPA, told Stabroek News that about 3,000 persons in the forestry industry work in the interior locations. He said regular supplies of food and fuel could not be sent in, nor could medical emergencies be given urgent attention. Without these all operations in the affected areas would have to be closed down within three days, the FPA statement said. Willems called for the security forces to bring back some stability to the affected areas. He said more police and army patrols, with functioning vehicles, were needed.
The protest-affected areas provided access to at least three large concessions, according to Mona Bynoe, Executive Director of the FPA. Thes,e she said, were Unamco, Variety Woods and Demerara Timbers Limited (DTL). Many small-scale loggers and chainsaw operations are also being affected.
The point was also made that local and export orders for lumber could not be met, which could lead to the loss of markets.
Willems added that an urgent meeting was being arranged with the government to correct the situation.
The present situation, he said, might lead to increased illegal forest activity, making a reference to the Moraballi reserve which, he said, was constantly being raped by illegal loggers.
Willems also took the opportunity to point out that with the planned bus service from Brazil and the opening up of trade with Brazil, persons should not be afraid to travel along the Lethem trail. But he called for the setting up of a police station somewhere on the approach to Mabura.
He acknowledged that there had been some threats made and security patrols were sent along the road. "The Police have to be irregular in their movements," said Willems suggesting that movements be made at night as well.