Land issues, roads dominate the Mahdia miners meeting

Miners and other Mahdia residents met over the weekend and interacted with Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat and Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai where a number of issues affecting the industry were raised.
According to a report from the Department of Public Information, the miners used the opportunity to raise their concerns, with land and roads a common theme. The miners believe that they are disadvantaged in using mining lands. This was Bharrat’s first official visit to the mining town, but he was no stranger to the issues.

“I know as small miners that you face this problem that you are used as searchers, which means the big miners put you on the land, and when you are ‘ n find something, they come and get you off the land. I know that’s one of the biggest issues we have, but you also need to understand our position in a situation like that; that was a private arrangement between you and the landowner, so when you make a contract between someone, you need to make a right contract, ”Bharrat is quoted as saying. He urged miners to enter into formal agreements because it is difficult to resolve the issue when this is not done even if they approach the Ministry for assistance.
Bharrat added that a lottery is being considered to make more land available later this year or early 2022. This would give small miners the opportunity to acquire lands. Miners can still apply to the GGMC or the Closed Area Committee for land in the meantime. The Minister also told the meeting that efforts were being made to get right roads in hinterland regions.
“Our aim over the next two to three years is to ensure that we open up new areas. As a matter of fact, what we’re talking about right now is for GGMC to have a roadworks unit, which means we have a steel truck and bull and digger and roller and all this equipment, so we can open up areas because it is expensive to open new areas, I can tell you that. “
The Minister for Natural Resources noted that there had been renewed interest in mining in recent months and added that he would continue to make representations for incentives to develop the sector.
He said the benefits of mining were close to 200,000 directly and indirectly, and since he took office, the Government has put a lot of emphasis on the mining sector, including the extraction of VAT from mining equipment. “Mining has been driving our country’s economy over the past few years; mining is currently driving our economy. That is why I want to commend you for the effort you are making. Yes, we have oil and gas, and there is so much talk and so much emphasis on oil and gas, but I want to assure you, on behalf of the Government of Guyana, that we will not neglect the mining or logging or agriculture sectors or any another of the traditional and non-traditional sectors at the expense of oil and gas. ”
Miners were also encouraged to respect the environment when participating in mining activities.
The Minister noted the concerns raised and is optimistic that the necessary steps will be taken to resolve them. Consideration is also being given to the possible devolution of some GMSG services to the town.
While in the mining town, Ministers also visited the bridge at Tiger Creek, a major area of ​​concern for those living and working in that part of the country. The team also conducted a community walk, interacting with residents while listening to their problems.
Head of Guyana Geology and Mines Commission Newell Dennison and Deputy Commissioner of Guyana Forestry Commission Tasreef Khan were also on the visit.