Miners send strong message to Govt. as Mining Week concludes

Aug 29, 2010 News

One of the many camps which were on display yesterday at the 10th annual Prok Knocker's Day celebration in Bartica.

– GGDMA President calls for genuine partnership

Miners and their representatives yesterday called on the government for their genuine partnership within the industry, saying it is needed if they are to protect and sustain the sector.
This call was reiterated yesterday morning as miners from all mining districts converged in Bartica to celebrate the 10th annual Pork Knocker’s Day.
On the occasion, President of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association, Fred Mc Wilfred said that although the event was a celebration, he felt the need to highlight some major issues affecting the mining sector. Mc Wilfred, in his remarks to the gathering, made reference to an advertisement which appeared in some sections of the media. The advertisement referred to stringent penalties to be imposed on miners, which were arrived at without consultations.
The Advertisement cites: “1-We will jail you if you divert any water without the Minister’s permission; 2-Miners must make the river and creek water as clear as drinking water; 3-Miners must spend more than $500, 000 in prospecting for each property before they can mine; 4-Miners must pay $100, 000 Environmental Bond for every major piece of equipment they own; 5-Miners must give six months notice before they start mining (YES, it is still here despite ALL the promises); 6-If you do all of this, we will give you only five years to mine an area, after which you must leave, even if it still has gold.”
“The ad alone says how we feel and I think that the GGMC could not have chosen a better theme for the occasion. I think that the theme for mining week is very apt because it captures all the concerns that all stakeholders have about mining in Guyana.”
“We are involved in this partnership to achieve the same objectives, our partnership arrangement should be qualified for what is good and what is best for the mining industry…in addition we are involved in the dialectical and consultation process with the aim of arriving at the best policies and this should be recognised and agreed by us as well as the Government.”
The GGDMA President further noted that their actions will inevitably give rise to articulation and positions that from time to time will cause confrontation. He added that nevertheless, the continued viable existence of business and the survival of mining is important, hence the need for commitment to this partnership on the part of the Government.
“It is only through this partnership we will make progress. The GGDMA has very strong views on the issues of legislations and we will express them however we see it fit. We have the right to see that our views are taken seriously.”
“We are dealing with a unique culture but there is the bigger picture where the mining industry has become a major player in our country’s economy. Our partnership therefore must take these issues into account and we must be careful that in spite of all our good intention, we do not do more harm than good.”
Mc Wilfred added that there must be careful study and approach, given the fact that miners, except for a few, have the capacity to comply with the current regulations, moreso, the new ones that are more stringent, some of which include jail time. In closing, Mc Wilfred called on miners, both large and small scale, to improve on their business practices.
“We the miners take this opportunity to recommit ourselves to the partnership with the government. Our goals are the same and that is to mine our resources with our future in mind.”
Meanwhile, in his address to the gathering, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds merely observed that the comments made by the GGDMA head have been well noted. “We all want to work as a partner for the development of our country as a whole. There are technical challenges, but together they can be overcome,” the Prime Minister stated.
He went on to state that more improved practices are needed in the mining industry. The Prime Minister also stated that the mining industry has evolved over the years and is currently at another turning point.
He further stated that there are issues too with the use of mercury, but plans are in place to phase out its use in mining. “Mercury will not be available for sale legally in the near future but also we have social challenges in some villages which also need to be addressed.”
Prime Minister Hinds also stated that plans are in place to add Pork Knocker’s Day to the Ministry of Tourism’s yearly calendar of events.
However, despite the somewhat high pitch and controversial start to the day’s event, the other activities, which were staged at the Bartica Golden Beach Pavilion, were well received.
The day’s celebration saw participating teams from all the mining districts. Persons from as far as Mahdia, Upper Cuyuni and other mining districts were involved in the various competitive events. Some of the day’s highlights included, shoveling competition, Warishi race, tacouba crossing among others.
The event was deemed a success by Head of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, William Woolford, as there was a massive turnout by both patrons as well as participants.
However, as was promised, the two commemorative stamps showcasing female pork knocker Cyrilda De Jesus, and Dick Manning, were not launched.