The Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) says it is currently investigating the tampering of export documents, which may be indicative of forgery, by Guyana Timber Products Inc (GTP) of 283 – 285 Shantinikatan Street, Prashad Nagar, Georgetown.
According to a GFC press release sent out to media houses on Tuesday but not to this newspaper, the Company submitted an application for a Timber Marketing Certificate (TMC) for various species, in the second week of May, 2008 and the said application was supported by the applicant’s grader’s grade of the species.
The press release said that the grade was subsequently verified and confirmed by GFC’s inspector and against this background a Timber Marketing Certificate was issued to GTP Inc.
“Subsequently, GTP made application for export certificates to complete the process for export of the produce. The GFC discovered that the grades on the approved Timber Marketing Certificate, supporting the application for the export certificates, were tampered with,” the GFC press release said.
“The GFC views this as a very serious breach and is currently conducting a comprehensive investigation into this matter. Further, the GFC is urging all stakeholders to ensure full compliance with its guidelines and procedures, as anyone found to be non-compliant, will be dealt with, very seriously,” said the release.
The GFC said it will continue to monitor all aspects of forestry activities within its mandate, to ensure that Guyana benefits in full from its forest resources.
