Mining camp slaughter… Miners Association calling for answers

Jun 29, 2008 News

In wake of the recent mining camp killing, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association is calling for a thorough and speedy investigation of the incident. According to Executive Director of that association, Tony Shields, the recent incident has taken a toll on the mining industry.
Shields, in an interview with this newspaper, said that since the authorities have failed to say anything on the incident, miners have chosen to abandon camp until they get answers.
“Mining on most mining areas has been put on hold, since nothing has been said by officials about what really transpired,” Shields said.
He added that even foreign companies have begun reviewing their operations in the interior, because they have also expressed fear for their workers’ safety, and even their own.
“Miners have families, too, and on hearing what happened to those eight miners, anybody would be fearful for their loved ones as well,” Shields reiterated.
Meanwhile, as it relates to security measures for miners at locations, Shields said that this has been a longstanding issue for both his organization and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission.
He said that following the Bartica massacre, several meetings were held to address the issue. Present at those meetings, he said, were the Home Affairs Minister, Clement Rohee; Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, and several other top brass from the security forces. Persons from the mining sector were also present at those meetings.
The Director said that, at those meetings, several proposals were put forward to the relevant authorities for consideration, after which a final document was expected to have been prepared.
However, to date, according to Shields, nothing has been forthcoming on the issue. Some of the proposals, he said, included having persons entering mining areas register at check point and given identification cards.
In addition, endowing Toshaos and senior officials from major mining companies with the power of Special Constables was also recommended.
The issue of check points, Shields added, needs to be reinforced, since the relevant authorities have become complacent as it relates to proper checkpoint systems.
“Years ago miners were required, when going into mining areas, to first check with the nearest Police station…When persons are seen in mining areas and cannot give sufficient reasons for being in the area, they are instructed to leave.”
Shields said that, while there are many plans for security in the mining sector, there still remains the issue of limited resources, which has been longstanding.
The charred remains of eight miners were discovered on Saturday, June 21, by camp owner Leonard Arokium, a land surveyor by profession, who went to investigate after receiving phone calls that there was a shooting at the camp.
Those murdered are Arokium’s son, Dax, 28, of Crane Place, South Ruimveldt Park; his uncle, Cedric Arokium, called Brother, 51; Bonny Harry, 50, of Zorg, Essequibo; Compton Spires, 58, of Meten-Meer-Zorg, West Coast Demerara; Clifton Wong, 46, of Norton Street; Horace Drakes, 36, of De Kenderen, West Coast Demerara; Lancelot Lee, called ‘Piggy’; and a youth who is reportedly from Kwakwani.
To date, no word has been forthcoming from the security forces as to what really transpired, despite the fact that a forensic team and several members of the Joint Services visited the location.

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Mining camp slaughter… Miners Association calling for answers

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