100 new sawmills, 50 lumber yards established over the past four years

Over the past four years, Guyana’s forestry sector has experienced substantial growth with the establishment of nearly 100 sawmills and 50 lumberyards, contributing to a marked increase in value-added products. This expansion is expected to continue, driven by the high demand for logs and wood, particularly in the housing sector.
During a media briefing held on Wednesday at the Guyana Forestry Commission Complex in Kingston, Georgetown, Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, highlighted this growth. “In recent years, we have seen the establishment of over 100 new sawmills across the country and more than 50 lumberyards. Linden alone, which had five sawmills in 2020, now boasts approximately 19 sawmills in operation,” the minister revealed.
Minister Bharrat also noted a rising interest in the sector, with more individuals entering the industry and engaging in value-added downstream activities. He projected further growth in the number of facilities once the gas-to-energy project becomes operational, as the expected 50% reduction in electricity costs will significantly enhance the processing and cutting of logs into wood.
“Despite the increase in production within the forestry sector over the last four years, and our target to surpass 2023 production levels, there has been a noticeable decline in the exportation of logs. This indicates that more of our products are being sold domestically,” Bharrat stated.
The minister also touched on the production of value-added products, pointing out that several stakeholders are involved in coal production. He emphasised the government’s commitment to advancing this sector by improving packaging and diversifying product sizes, all part of a broader strategy to optimise the use of wood waste.
Additionally, Bharrat highlighted the government’s efforts to enhance the recovery rate of each log, a key indicator of efficiency in the forestry sector. “When the government took office in 2020, the recovery rate was about 35 to 40 percent. Today, it stands at approximately 70 to 75 percent,” he stated. The Guyana Forestry Commission has been actively collaborating with small and medium-scale operators to further increase their recovery rates.