![Natural Resources and Environment Minister, Robert Persaud. [iNews' Photo]](https://i0.wp.com/www.inewsguyana.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Robert-Persaud.jpg)
A local newspaper recently reported that the Company disrespected the National Assembly by refusing to appear before the Natural Resources Sectoral Committee to answer “several burning questions” and accused subject Minister, Robert Persaud of encouraging the actions of the Company.
The article also accused the Ministry of denying the Committee permission of visiting the Company’s operation.
In response, the Ministry noted that Bai Shan Lin is a private company and the Ministry has no authority to determine who visits their locations.
“The Natural Resources Sectoral Committee is free to pursue its request to visit the worksites of the said company. The Ministry was requested to provide vehicular and other logistical support in the letter dated May 30th, 2014 from the Chairman, Mr. Odinga Lumumba, M.P. In the MNRE response dated June 3rd 2014, it was pointed out that this request could not be accommodated at this point in time due to ongoing compliance and enforcement activities by various agencies. It’s important to note that at no point did the MNRE hinder the proposed visit of the Committee,” the Ministry clarified.
According to the Ministry, it has always fully cooperated with the Natural Resources Sectoral Committee “and in fact appeared before the Committee with its agencies on November 20, 2013. Prior to our appearance, a comprehensive package detailing the agencies’ work programme and projects was submitted to the Committee on November 5, 2013.”
It was made clear that all information requested for the said Company emanating from the Sectorial Committee meeting was provided.
