In the light of the public outrage at the extent to which certain foreign companies are reported to be carrying out logging operations in Guyana and exporting logs, I have decided to examine the Forests Act 2009 to have a better understanding of it and to share that understanding with readers. In this way, we would be able to ascertain whether the operations of these companies are consistent with the law, especially in the midst of conflicting reports highlighted in the print media over the last few weeks.
The Forests Act 2009 was assented to on 12 October 2010. It consolidates and amends the law relating to, among others, the sustainable management and conservation of forest resources. The Act is long and complicated. As such, I ask that readers bear with me if my examination of the Act takes several columns. I hope that at the end,
