We did also ask the Minister about a 30 year logging license awarded to a company named ARCH TIMBERS.
The company is based in San Ignacio and the license is to log in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. The license went into effect in 2022 and ends in 30 years.
But, reliable reports tell us that the Minister's cousin is a shareholder in Arch timbers. We asked him today - and here's what he said:
Reporter
"Do any of your relatives or any related parties to you have any interests in a company named Arch Timbers which has a license to log in the MPR?"
Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development
"I believe in a company yes as a member or a shareholder in a company yes."
Reporter
"We have received multiple reports of licenses being acquired by companies and then sold for a premium to other companies. Are you aware of this practice?"
Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development
"No I am not aware, not during our time at least."
Reporter
"This makes it appear that connected people, preferred people get licenses and then sell it for a profit to other companies - your response?"
Orlando Habet, Minister of Sustainable Development
"Not that I am aware of we came in five years ago and as far as I am concerned I think 2 licenses were issued, none of them that I know of have been obtained or sold or anything of that sort."
Reports tell us that in fact licenses are being sold or transferred, but we'll be following up.
