Baishanlin International Forest Development yesterday donated $1M to the government-led clean-up efforts which started at Independence Arch last Sunday.
Managing Director Chu Hongbo presented the cheque to Chief Coordinator Laurie London in the presence of Assistant Coordinator Bobby Vieira, the company said in a press release. London thanked Baishanlin for its contribution and reiterated government’s commitment to work with all foreign investors.
According to the statement, Baishanlin is pleased to be associated with the clean-up activities and looks forward to forging a long-term relationship with the Guyanese people. Hongbo also revealed plans to adopt a section of the D’Urban Park area and has already provided several pieces of equipment to aid in cleaning the area. He was accompanied by Eddie Wang, Baishanlin’s Forestry Development Department Director.
In response, Vieira welcomed the long-term involvement of the business community and other stakeholders who will play an integral role in keeping the city and country clean.
Baishanlin’s operations have been under intense scrutiny for failing to establish wood processing facilities while all the time engaged in the export of logs. Further, the legality of its landlording arrangement with a series of other forest concessionaires has also been queried as the law that would cover this was brought into force long after this arrangement had begun. Logs have still, however, been drawn from various concessions.
During their time in opposition, APNU and AFC, which now make up the current administration, had called for the foreign direct investment contract with Baishanlin to be made public. This was never done.
The release said Baishanlin’s contribution to the clean-up efforts comes in the wake of several other interventions the company made over the months to support, persons and communities, particularly those in which it operates. In November, the company partnered with Linden to support major rehabilitation work at the Mackenzie Sports Complex ground; providing a number of tools to use in the initial phases of the operation.
Baishanlin has also been supported road rehabilitation work in Kwakwani by supplying a number of heavy-duty equipment and machinery. Additionally, in the latter part of 2014, Baishanlin sponsored the North Rupununi Football Association and provided all the team’s uniforms. Hongbo said the company aims to continue to work closely with other stakeholders while contributing to the country’s growth and development while abiding with the laws of Guyana.
