3. Evaluation of Data Collected and Methodology Used

The information related to imports & exports of wood-products are extracted from the Statistical Institute of Jamaica’s publication on External Trade (various issues). The figures are supplied by the Trade Boards and Customs Departments.

Production and consumption figures are developed from previous surveys with estimated values as their findings.

Problems related to local data collection, analysis and dissemination are:

Sawmills not licensed and most evade company tax or income tax

No legislation exists for registration of fixed saws with the Forestry Department

Proliferation of chainsaws, which are not required to be licensed

High level of illegal logging

Private landowners do not require permits for cutting or removal of trees on private lands

Check points are non-existent

Records are not kept by sawmillers and licensees

Staff capacity decline due to decline in budget

Data collected on forest-products is used by the forestry Department for the preparation of reports and scientific papers. Data is also used for the implementation of better management practices.

Various organisations seek as schools, environmental NGO's, Government and private agencies, press, radio, television stations farmers and farm organisations seek forestry related information. Information is disseminated through the Conservator of Forests who directs correspondences to respective officers or the Forest Information Officer. Reports are also given at external management meetings attended by the Conservator or other officers and on farm visits, seminars, scientific papers, specific releases, over the telephone, personal interviews and on calendars. Information can also be had on the Forestry Department's Website. See Table 4.

Table 4: How Data is disseminated

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