Porkknockers honoured with historic stamp launching

Oct 15, 2010 News

While it was slated to take place on Porkknockers’ Day in August, last, the contributions of two outstanding gold and diamond miners were duly recognised yesterday when the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association launched four commemorative stamps.
The stamps signify the contribution of the porkknockers and their contribution to the country’s economy and its development and highlighted two of the industry’s stalwarts, Cyrilda De Jesus and Dick Manning.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds officially launches the stamps as the two iconic porkknockers, Cyrilda De Jesus (left) and Dick Manning (right) look on

It was part of the commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of Porkknockers’ Day.
The event was hosted at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC)’s Courtyard and among those present at the ceremony were Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, performing the duties of President, and who is also the Minister responsible for Mines and Minerals; Chairmen of the Board of Directors, GPOC and GGMC respectively, Juan Edghill and Ronald Webster; Region Seven Chairman, Holbert Knights and Karen Livan, the acting GGMC Commissioner.
Two of the stamps bear the two stalwarts while the other two depict a map of Bartica, which is described as the gateway to the interior where the precious metal is mined, and the actual minerals.
Prime Minister Hinds, who launched the commemorative stamps, stated that gold and diamond mining has always been of utmost importance to the country’s history and economy, and expressed pride that the stamps are now produced to reflect the significance of persons, particularly the porkknockers, to the country’s development.
He noted that Bartica has been a gateway to the interior, and highlighted that it has potential to develop its eco-tourism.
Acting Commissioner, GGMC, Karen Livan, reminded the gathering that the stamps initially were to be launched on Porkknockers’ Day of this year to mark the 10th Anniversary of celebrating the event, as porkknockers play a significant role in the mining industry. She noted that the industry provides a fair degree of employment, and is a source of significant revenue and tax for the government.
GPOC Chairman Edghill in his presentation noted that the collaboration between the two entities has created history by making available the commemorative stamps, which would serve as a means of preserving the country’s culture and history.
He stressed that the contributions made to the development of the country would be acknowledged, as well as the fact that their roles and pioneering duties would have been highlighted.
He said that the stamps which were designed are historic in the sense that they recognize the contribution of mining to Guyana and will now be showcased around the world.
“A part of the country’s history will stay in the corner of a letter and will go around the entire world, and will raise awareness of the country and its mining industry,” Edghill said.