Robert Persaud

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While there has been an increase of quarry (stone) production in the local sector last year, an even greater level of production has been projected for 2014.During a meeting with Minister of Natural Resources and the  Environment (NRE) Robert Persaud, some local quarry producers have indicated that despite challenges, this year‘s production is expected to increase significantly.One entity, BK International, indicated that the company experienced some issues with their machinery but is expected to increase production by 100 per cent.BK International stone quarry in Linden.Baracara Quarries Inc. indicated that it is experiencing some mechanical problems but there will be approximately 40 per cent increase in production.Toolsie Persaud Ltd noted that last year there was an issue with transportation, but that this will be corrected this year. The company is currently 85 per cent back in operation but production far exceeds the transportation available; in 2014 there will be a 30 per cent increase in production.Durban Quarries Inc has indicated that the company is now in possession of a barge. It now needs a place to offload materials in Georgetown.The company currently has some 100,000 tonnes of boulders at the plant and is also encouraging persons with barges to uplift from the quarry.Mr. Andre Archer, of Metallica, noted that the company has issues with timely clearing of items from the Customs Department.Metallica also experiences severe transportation issues along the Mabura road; the time taken to traverse the road has since doubled.The company has suggested that it is willing to undertake the maintenance of the road with the permission from the Ministry of Public Works.During the meeting, recommendations were also made by officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment and other stakeholders, to alleviate constraints of the sector.Although Minister Persaud commended the larger companies for having maintained their consistency in production last year, he highlighted that there are roll over projects costing billions of dollars in road construction and the housing sector, to which there were complaints of not enough materials being available.Representatives from the various Ministries which included the Ministry of Housing highlighted their concerns that there was not enough crush and run materials available.During the discussion, it was noted that projected demand for the different grades of material should be shared with Quarry Operators so that they can plan their production.It was agreed by all that greater planning and coordination will ensure a constant supply on the market.The Minister also shared his concern about the absence of a high marketing strategy by the Quarry producers. He noted that Guyana is still importing quarry materials although the country is rich in resources.