THA hires Logging experts

The Tobago House of Assembly (THA) has now called in two experts to deal with “the intensity of indiscriminate logging activities and the adverse effect on the Tobago environment.”

In the wake of public concern over the destruction of the island’s forests, the THA recently imposed a moratorium on logging activities on the island and has now appointed Professor John Spence and Irwin Joseph to investigate and make recommendations for “a system that could ensure optimum sustainable yield of timber in Tobago.” A preliminary report by the consultants has recommended that loggers be granted an extension of two weeks to complete removal of logs on the ground.

The THA has accepted the recommendation and has issued a release stating that persons in possession of removal permits should have them extended to allow for the removal of these logs in accordance with the existing laws and regulations or to contact the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment. The two consultants began meeting with stakeholders today.