Charcoal sales more lucrative at Christmastime, but officials warn against the many dangers

 By Romardo Lyons

Charcoal burning is hailed as a dependable source of income by those who do it, especially at Christmastime when there is increased demand.

Officials maintain and warn that not only is the practice illegal, but it poses serious threats to the environment, which is home to over 300 endemic species of trees, as at 2021.

Jamaica is now only 30 per cent (336,000 hectares) forested lands, with the rate of deforestation being about 350 hectares per year – another reason why officials shun charcoal burning. But a St Thomas-based vendor said he chops thousands of wood to burn from 50 to 100 bags of charcoal from coal kilns, and described it is an easy job.

"It take me all two weeks fi done everything. I get the wood from anywhere in woodland… anywhere mi can find some wood. But it depends on the size and the amount of wood. If it is a big kiln, I can get 50, 100 bag of coal from it when everything done. Me hear sehh we nuffi cut down tree and dem thing deh. It look like Government soon get serious pon it," he told the Sunday Observer.

While knowing of the illegal situation, the man said he continues because it's lucrative. From 100 bags of charcoal, he earns $100,000. During the Christmas season when there is a demand, 100 bags avail him up to $150,000.

"One bag a coal sell for all $1,000. Now that a Christmas, and I will carry it to town and sell, people will buy one bag for all $1,500. Right now I have one kiln out there a burn," he related.

The man said it is a profitable business, but indicated that it has its dangers.

"A nuh everybody follow it up. It give off a different smell, because of the dirt and everything. You cyaa do that an a work in the rain or nothing like that. A nuff man it kill dah way deh. When the rain a fall, you have to just leave it. The heat and the rain nuh work… it will knock yuh out," he said.

Another man echoed similar sentiments, and made it clear that for him, it is hard work.

"I have been doing this from I was a little boy. Getting all the wood is something that takes one whole day. I put a stone in the middle and then I pack wood around it. I gather and cut up the wood before, and just pack them up around the stone like a pyramid. From you can see eight to 10 pieces of wood on the ground, until you pile on until it is a big stack," he said.

He related that the process of chopping the wood is the most hectic.

"We chop up the wood with cutlass, but sometimes we all need a saw fi cut into the thicker ones. It is hard work and it take a lot of time, but it is a honest living."

But the Forestry Department, the lead agency responsible for the island's forest resources and which manages approximately 117,000 hectares of forests across the country, said it is an illegal activity that is more widespread in St Thomas and Clarendon.

"Charcoal kilns are not allowed inside forests. In fact, under the Forest Act, 1996, it is illegal to keep, kindle or carry fire in a forest reserve, forest management area or protected area. Under the Forest Regulations of 2001, a person shall not light or make use of an open fire or charcoal kiln in one kilometre in or within one kilometre of a forest estate, forest management area or protected area except in compliance with a burning permit issued under these regulations," Stephen Williams, forestry technician at the department, told the Sunday Observer last Thursday.

Tanika Stewart, senior director of forest enforcement, said the issue was more widespread in the past.

More on this Article can be read on the Jamaica Observer's website at: Charcoal sales more lucrative at Christmastime, but officials warn against the many dangers - Jamaica Observer