Skip to main content

FM
Former Member

Presidential Advisor to recommend revocation of BaiShanLin, Vaitarna concessions

July 29, 2015 | By | Filed Under News 
 

By: Kiana Wilburg

After ten years, Chinese logging giant, BaiShanLin, which has enjoyed millions worth in tax concessions and incentives granted under the previous government, is yet to deliver on its promise of a wood processing facility in Guyana. And its Indian counterpart, Vaitarna Holding Private Incorporated (VHPI), after three years, is still to get the ball rolling on its promise of considerable value added operations of a similar nature. Presidential Advisor on Sustainable Development, Dr. Clive Thomas says that such behaviour from companies which have benefitted significantly from Guyana’s forest resources is absolutely “unacceptable”. He will be recommending to the David Granger-led administration for some of their concessions to be taken away. “Guyana cannot continue to be giving out hundreds of millions of dollars worth in these tax breaks or concessions and we aren’t benefitting from value added operations. If companies make a commitment to do so then the ethical thing to do is to deliver what was promised. If not, their concessions should be taken away. They need to face sanctions of that nature or probably something stronger.  Bai Shan Lin and Vaitarna have become logging giants in this country and by its own actions, it is clear that we should review all of their concessions. I would be advising the President of taking such actions. My position on this is clear; they need to cut off some of their benefits,” the economist said,

Presidential Advisor, Dr. Clive Thomas

Presidential Advisor, Dr. Clive Thomas

“This is obviously not part of how one promotes the suitability of an economy and an industry and we cannot continue to go this route. Allowing this sort of behaviour to continue sends a dangerous message to other potential investors and local companies. What has the Guyana Forestry Commission done regarding such infractions? Is this not important? “We really need to change the landscape of the way business is done in the logging industry and eliminate this kind of slackness we allow these companies to get away with. This is not about whether you are foreign or not. At the end of the day it is what is right for the development of the country and quite frankly these two companies have just been taking and taking and not fulfilling their promises of considerable value added operations. It has been years now, so what can possibly be their excuse? They need to face serious sanctions.” In 2014, BaiShanLin blamed the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) for delaying its application for its wood processing factory. In one of its advertisements, the company stated that in 2008, it applied to the “Government of Guyana, through the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) and other agencies, to lease lands to set up a factory to process logs and engage in value-added production, such as the making of furniture, craft and hardwood flooring.” It had said then that it was experiencing delays. Kaieteur News later reported that GO-Invest had had no such application. BaiShanLin had nothing to say when this was revealed. This caused many, including the then opposition, to challenge the previous government to make public the investment agreement it signed onto with the Chinese logging company. This was never done. In April, last, the company then blamed the “hostile” media reports during 2014 for dispiriting financiers. In a statement, the Chinese company had said that it is concerned about the apparent “misrepresentations and false reports” being carried by some sections of the media on its operations in Guyana. It identified this publication as the leader of the “hostile” campaign and even cited a KN article with the headline: ‘BaiShanLin delays US$70M wood processing factory for gold, housing, logging.’ But in its statement, it did not deny that it was approved ‘US$70M’ for certain activities. With regard to the wood processing plant in the Linden area that was to be constructed, BaiShanLin, one of the largest exporters of the country’s prime species of wood, had complained that it has indeed suffered major setbacks in completing its wood processing facility that will create hundreds of jobs for Guyanese. It claimed that these “setbacks” directly relate to lack of adequate funding from its financiers, who, since last year “when these sustained attacks began,” became concerned about the “soundness of investing further in what appeared to be a hostile environment.” Amidst harsh criticisms of its operations during 2014 and earlier this year in several quarters,  BaiShanLin  insisted that it has consistently remained well within the law/regulations governing the forestry sector. It has been reported on extensively, by insiders and other well-informed critics, including Dr. Janette Bulkan, a forestry specialist, that BaiShanLin practices landlordism. The Timber Sales Agreement (TSAs) which governs logging does not allow that. In fact, the company has become the third largest holder of state forests in the country. Additionally, Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. (TIGI) had said that given the conflicting reports on whether BaiShanLin and Vaitarna operations are in conformity with our laws, specifically the Guyana Forestry Commission Act and the Environmental Protection Act , their contracts should be made public. It had issued this call to the past administration, but this was also ignored. In view of the public outrage at the extent to which these two companies were said to be exploiting the forests resources, TIGI also called on the past administration to place a halt on their operations. But this was as the old adage goes; “throwing water on duck’s back.” Instead, the Donald Ramotar Government chose to defend the two companies.

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Presidential Advisor on Sustainable Development, Dr. Clive Thomas says that such behaviour from companies which have benefitted significantly from Guyana’s forest resources is absolutely “unacceptable”. He will be recommending to the David Granger-led administration for some of their concessions to be taken away. “Guyana cannot continue to be giving out hundreds of millions of dollars worth in these tax breaks or concessions and we aren’t benefitting from value added operations.

FM
Originally Posted by asj:

Presidential Advisor on Sustainable Development, Dr. Clive Thomas says that such behaviour from companies which have benefitted significantly from Guyana’s forest resources is absolutely “unacceptable”. He will be recommending to the David Granger-led administration for some of their concessions to be taken away. “Guyana cannot continue to be giving out hundreds of millions of dollars worth in these tax breaks or concessions and we aren’t benefitting from value added operations.

 

Agreed 100 Percent.

FM

I remember when under the PPP administration a British guy bought a concession in Guyana for U$3million and sold it on for U$150million to a Dutch company before he had even paid for it. The PPP did not revoke the sale even though Guyana was being robbed blindly.

Mr.T
Originally Posted by Mr.T:

I remember when under the PPP administration a British guy bought a concession in Guyana for U$3million and sold it on for U$150million to a Dutch company before he had even paid for it. The PPP did not revoke the sale even though Guyana was being robbed blindly.

Strange, the type of Crooked Politician that we have to deal with.

FM
Originally Posted by baseman:

Guyana must have demonstrable value or the deal ia questionable.  However, the GoG should first try to sweeten the deal before take more draconian measures.

Sweeten the deal aright, give them the boot with a larger size shoe...steel toes and all.

cain
Originally Posted by cain:
Originally Posted by baseman:

Guyana must have demonstrable value or the deal ia questionable.  However, the GoG should first try to sweeten the deal before take more draconian measures.

Sweeten the deal aright, give them the boot with a larger size shoe...steel toes and all.

You mean like what Venezuela did to PNC with the rice?

FM
Originally Posted by baseman:
Originally Posted by cain:
Originally Posted by baseman:

Guyana must have demonstrable value or the deal ia questionable.  However, the GoG should first try to sweeten the deal before take more draconian measures.

Sweeten the deal aright, give them the boot with a larger size shoe...steel toes and all.

You mean like what Venezuela did to PNC with the rice?

Screw Venezuela, their loss of good rice.

cain
Originally Posted by cain:
Originally Posted by baseman:
Originally Posted by cain:
Originally Posted by baseman:

Guyana must have demonstrable value or the deal ia questionable.  However, the GoG should first try to sweeten the deal before take more draconian measures.

Sweeten the deal aright, give them the boot with a larger size shoe...steel toes and all.

You mean like what Venezuela did to PNC with the rice?

Screw Venezuela, their loss of good rice.

Well, you are neither a rice farmer or the GoG to have to deal with a very lucrative loss.

FM
Originally Posted by baseman:
Originally Posted by cain:
Originally Posted by baseman:
Originally Posted by cain:
Originally Posted by baseman:

Guyana must have demonstrable value or the deal ia questionable.  However, the GoG should first try to sweeten the deal before take more draconian measures.

Sweeten the deal aright, give them the boot with a larger size shoe...steel toes and all.

You mean like what Venezuela did to PNC with the rice?

Screw Venezuela, their loss of good rice.

Well, you are neither a rice farmer or the GoG to have to deal with a very lucrative loss.

 what PNC? wasn't the PPP put on notice about the rice (non) deal But choose not to disclose that info?

S
Originally Posted by Sparky:
Originally Posted by baseman:
Originally Posted by cain:
Originally Posted by baseman:
Originally Posted by cain:
Originally Posted by baseman:

Guyana must have demonstrable value or the deal ia questionable.  However, the GoG should first try to sweeten the deal before take more draconian measures.

Sweeten the deal aright, give them the boot with a larger size shoe...steel toes and all.

You mean like what Venezuela did to PNC with the rice?

Screw Venezuela, their loss of good rice.

Well, you are neither a rice farmer or the GoG to have to deal with a very lucrative loss.

 what PNC? wasn't the PPP put on notice about the rice (non) deal But choose not to disclose that info?

Is alyuh screw up, deal with it.

FM
Originally Posted by asj:

Presidential Advisor to recommend revocation of BaiShanLin, Vaitarna concessions

July 29, 2015 | By | Filed Under News 
 

By: Kiana Wilburg

After ten years, Chinese logging giant, BaiShanLin, which has enjoyed millions worth in tax concessions and incentives granted under the previous government, is yet to deliver on its promise of a wood processing facility in Guyana. And its Indian counterpart, Vaitarna Holding Private Incorporated (VHPI), after three years, is still to get the ball rolling on its promise of considerable value added operations of a similar nature. Presidential Advisor on Sustainable Development, Dr. Clive Thomas says that such behaviour from companies which have benefitted significantly from Guyana’s forest resources is absolutely “unacceptable”. He will be recommending to the David Granger-led administration for some of their concessions to be taken away. “Guyana cannot continue to be giving out hundreds of millions of dollars worth in these tax breaks or concessions and we aren’t benefitting from value added operations. If companies make a commitment to do so then the ethical thing to do is to deliver what was promised. If not, their concessions should be taken away. They need to face sanctions of that nature or probably something stronger.  Bai Shan Lin and Vaitarna have become logging giants in this country and by its own actions, it is clear that we should review all of their concessions. I would be advising the President of taking such actions. My position on this is clear; they need to cut off some of their benefits,” the economist said,

Presidential Advisor, Dr. Clive Thomas

Presidential Advisor, Dr. Clive Thomas

“This is obviously not part of how one promotes the suitability of an economy and an industry and we cannot continue to go this route. Allowing this sort of behaviour to continue sends a dangerous message to other potential investors and local companies. What has the Guyana Forestry Commission done regarding such infractions? Is this not important? “We really need to change the landscape of the way business is done in the logging industry and eliminate this kind of slackness we allow these companies to get away with. This is not about whether you are foreign or not. At the end of the day it is what is right for the development of the country and quite frankly these two companies have just been taking and taking and not fulfilling their promises of considerable value added operations. It has been years now, so what can possibly be their excuse? They need to face serious sanctions.” In 2014, BaiShanLin blamed the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) for delaying its application for its wood processing factory. In one of its advertisements, the company stated that in 2008, it applied to the “Government of Guyana, through the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) and other agencies, to lease lands to set up a factory to process logs and engage in value-added production, such as the making of furniture, craft and hardwood flooring.” It had said then that it was experiencing delays. Kaieteur News later reported that GO-Invest had had no such application. BaiShanLin had nothing to say when this was revealed. This caused many, including the then opposition, to challenge the previous government to make public the investment agreement it signed onto with the Chinese logging company. This was never done. In April, last, the company then blamed the “hostile” media reports during 2014 for dispiriting financiers. In a statement, the Chinese company had said that it is concerned about the apparent “misrepresentations and false reports” being carried by some sections of the media on its operations in Guyana. It identified this publication as the leader of the “hostile” campaign and even cited a KN article with the headline: ‘BaiShanLin delays US$70M wood processing factory for gold, housing, logging.’ But in its statement, it did not deny that it was approved ‘US$70M’ for certain activities. With regard to the wood processing plant in the Linden area that was to be constructed, BaiShanLin, one of the largest exporters of the country’s prime species of wood, had complained that it has indeed suffered major setbacks in completing its wood processing facility that will create hundreds of jobs for Guyanese. It claimed that these “setbacks” directly relate to lack of adequate funding from its financiers, who, since last year “when these sustained attacks began,” became concerned about the “soundness of investing further in what appeared to be a hostile environment.” Amidst harsh criticisms of its operations during 2014 and earlier this year in several quarters,  BaiShanLin  insisted that it has consistently remained well within the law/regulations governing the forestry sector. It has been reported on extensively, by insiders and other well-informed critics, including Dr. Janette Bulkan, a forestry specialist, that BaiShanLin practices landlordism. The Timber Sales Agreement (TSAs) which governs logging does not allow that. In fact, the company has become the third largest holder of state forests in the country. Additionally, Transparency Institute Guyana Inc. (TIGI) had said that given the conflicting reports on whether BaiShanLin and Vaitarna operations are in conformity with our laws, specifically the Guyana Forestry Commission Act and the Environmental Protection Act , their contracts should be made public. It had issued this call to the past administration, but this was also ignored. In view of the public outrage at the extent to which these two companies were said to be exploiting the forests resources, TIGI also called on the past administration to place a halt on their operations. But this was as the old adage goes; “throwing water on duck’s back.” Instead, the Donald Ramotar Government chose to defend the two companies.

 

Mitwah

I must apologize to Granger...at least if he take the advice and counsel to take away the concessions from these predators.I cannot say I believe he would ever take the bold step to do what practically no one on the planet has done...sanction Chinese loggers.

 

Vaitarna is jagdeo's doing and they have no right to the benefits it got for empty promises either.

FM
Originally Posted by Stormborn:

I must apologize to Granger...at least if he take the advice and counsel to take away the concessions from these predators.I cannot say I believe he would ever take the bold step to do what practically no one on the planet has done...sanction Chinese loggers.

 

Vaitarna is jagdeo's doing and they have no right to the benefits it got for empty promises either.

He has to follow professional protocol and good trade practice.  Any Govt has a right to examine deals and ensure best value to the host nation but not by shot-gun or Burnhamism of the 70's.  Fair investment climate and must be preserved if you are to attract more investors.  In 2020 when the PNC/AFC loses, does the PPP then go and threaten investment made under the PNC?  The PNC needs to less cowboyish in their approach.

FM

It is for the voters to decide in 2020 if they want to return of the bad old days of the PPP, or if they are satisfied that APNU/AFC has been working to preserve the dignity of the country and secured the best possible deal. We don't want to exchange our gold for a bead made in China. The Europeans ripped off the country for centuries. So we have a historical record of how Guyana ended up from one of the riches countries in the 17th century to one of the poorest by 2015.

Mr.T
Originally Posted by Mr.T:

It is for the voters to decide in 2020 if they want to return of the bad old days of the PPP, or if they are satisfied that APNU/AFC has been working to preserve the dignity of the country and secured the best possible deal. We don't want to exchange our gold for a bead made in China. The Europeans ripped off the country for centuries. So we have a historical record of how Guyana ended up from one of the riches countries in the 17th century to one of the poorest by 2015.

We will see when lines, shortages, black-outs and rationing become the daily norm.  Many Americans, except those of the liberal Socialist persuasion are missing Bush and the Republicans after almost 7 years Obama mediocrity and disastrous leading from behind ideology.

FM
Originally Posted by baseman:
Originally Posted by Mr.T:

It is for the voters to decide in 2020 if they want to return of the bad old days of the PPP, or if they are satisfied that APNU/AFC has been working to preserve the dignity of the country and secured the best possible deal. We don't want to exchange our gold for a bead made in China. The Europeans ripped off the country for centuries. So we have a historical record of how Guyana ended up from one of the riches countries in the 17th century to one of the poorest by 2015.

We will see when lines, shortages, black-outs and rationing become the daily norm.  Many Americans, except those of the liberal Socialist persuasion are missing Bush and the Republicans after almost 7 years Obama mediocrity and disastrous leading from behind ideology.

Sayyyyy whattttt??????

cain
Originally Posted by cain:
Originally Posted by baseman:
Originally Posted by Mr.T:

It is for the voters to decide in 2020 if they want to return of the bad old days of the PPP, or if they are satisfied that APNU/AFC has been working to preserve the dignity of the country and secured the best possible deal. We don't want to exchange our gold for a bead made in China. The Europeans ripped off the country for centuries. So we have a historical record of how Guyana ended up from one of the riches countries in the 17th century to one of the poorest by 2015.

We will see when lines, shortages, black-outs and rationing become the daily norm.  Many Americans, except those of the liberal Socialist persuasion are missing Bush and the Republicans after almost 7 years Obama mediocrity and disastrous leading from behind ideology.

Sayyyyy whattttt??????

Sayyyyyy Dattttttt!!!!!

FM

Before they take away the concessions and incentives from the Chinese, ensure that they pay back the loans owed to them, because it will be a breach of contract, which has to be honoured by the new administration.

R
Originally Posted by baseman:
Many Americans, except those of the liberal Socialist persuasion are missing Bush

Really?  So why did Obama win the last time?

 

I challenge you to furnish proof that the USA is worse off today than it was in January 2009, when we all thought that we were going to have a Great Depression.

 

Yes I know that it pains you to see a black man as president.

FM
Last edited by Former Member
Originally Posted by baseman:
.  Fair investment climate and must be preserved if you are to attract more investors. 

These are the predators who are only in Guyana because a corrupt PPP allowed them to export raw wood.  These charlatans have been tossed out of most Asian and African countries, for precisely this reason.

FM
Originally Posted by caribny:
Originally Posted by baseman:
.  Fair investment climate and must be preserved if you are to attract more investors. 

These are the predators who are only in Guyana because a corrupt PPP allowed them to export raw wood.  These charlatans have been tossed out of most Asian and African countries, for precisely this reason.

Listen banna, your PNC is not known for their business acumen, they bankrupt everything the put their dirty paws on, so let's hear what they say and work with them to make it happen.

FM
Originally Posted by Ramakant-P:

Before they take away the concessions and incentives from the Chinese, ensure that they pay back the loans owed to them, because it will be a breach of contract, which has to be honoured by the new administration.

whaderass is dis ignorance?

FM
Originally Posted by redux:
Originally Posted by Ramakant-P:

Before they take away the concessions and incentives from the Chinese, ensure that they pay back the loans owed to them, because it will be a breach of contract, which has to be honoured by the new administration.

whaderass is dis ignorance?

When you bend over, take a magnifying glass and push it up your rear end.  You will then see what ever you wished for..

R
Originally Posted by baseman:
 

Listen banna, your PNC is not known for their business acumen,

Well most Guyanese voted for APNU/AFC so resume peddling Venezuelan IDs.

 

PPP. Fip Motilall and the Amaila Falls, Skeldon factory, Providence stadium, Marriott Hotel, and handing over the fortunes of the rice industry to Venezuela.  Is that a sign of a govt with business sense?

 

What of the billions of dollars which has been squandered.  Guysuco bankrupt.  Consolidated Fund empty.

 

 

So Indo KKK scream that you want Maduro.

FM

Add Reply

×
×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×