Linden Forestry Co-op Chair endorses President Ali for 2nd term, citing sector revival

Interim Chairperson of the Linden Agriculture & Forest Producers Co-operative Society, Lynette Benn, has publicly thrown her support behind President Dr Irfaan Ali’s bid for a second term, crediting his administration’s “significant interventions” for revitalising Guyana’s struggling forestry sector.

Speaking on behalf of the Co-op, Benn pointed to what she described as a dramatic turnaround in the fortunes of small loggers and community forestry groups under President Ali’s leadership over the last five years.

“I, Lynette Benn, interim Chairperson of the Linden Agriculture & Forest Producers Co-op Society, hereby endorse President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali for a second term in office. This endorsement comes in wake of the significant interventions made in the forestry sector by His Excellency,” Benn declared.

Reflecting on the state of the industry before the change in administration, Benn noted that many community logging associations were pushed to the brink due to what she described as “poor policies” under the previous government.

“Under the previous administration, the forestry sector was in a decline due to the poor policies that were introduced to this sector. Community logging associations were experiencing difficulties in accessing markets for their forest produce, which forced many small loggers on the breadline,” she said.

Since 2020, Benn said, the sector has seen a “tremendous growth” spurred by targeted measures designed to stabilise community logging associations and boost local economies.

“In the last five years, the forestry sector has seen tremendous growth due to the direct interventions made by President Ali. Under President Ali’s leadership, several initiatives have positively impacted the forestry sector. These initiatives were designed to guarantee that community associations dependent on logging were able to become financially stable and stimulate local economies,” Benn explained.

Among the improvements, Benn highlighted better access to markets for timber products and extensive rehabilitation and construction of forest access roads — both crucial to helping small loggers get their products to buyers reliably.

“They encompassed improved access to markets as well as the rehabilitation and construction of forest access roads,” she added.

Benn said the President’s record so far demonstrates a “proactive approach” that has created new opportunities for communities reliant on forestry.

“President Ali’s endorsement for a second term is significantly influenced by his administration’s proactive approach to the forestry sector. These initiatives foster economic development and community engagement and have created a pathway towards a brighter future for the forestry sector,” she stated.

Calling on other forestry stakeholders to follow suit, Benn urged her peers to stand behind the President’s re-election effort.

“I also encourage other small loggers in the forestry sector to support President Ali as we work together to ensure a viable sector,” she concluded.

The forestry sector remains an important economic pillar for many hinterland and rural communities, providing livelihoods for thousands of Guyanese. The Co-op’s endorsement adds to the growing list of interest groups publicly backing President Ali’s push for a second term as Guyana prepares for the next general elections.