Latest update June 25th, 2026 9:38 AM
More police ranks needed in mining districts
The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association (GGDMA) is dissatisfied with the limited numbers of police personnel that are dispatched in mining districts to protect citizens and their properties.
With increases in the price of gold, mining in the interior is a lucrative business that many enjoy. This has attracted an increase in criminal activities that miners feel could reduce if more ranks are deployed in the interior.
The association’s president, Patrick Harding stated, “The police who are responsible for interior security are not fully equipped… They don’t have sufficient manpower; they are now getting some new equipment and facilities.”
Harding related that the association members are willing to work with the Guyana Police Force to establish new outposts and guide ranks to troubled locations.
He is optimistic that Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) through its reorganization plan would appoint additional Mines Officers to enforce order in the mining industry.
“When miners operate under GGMC regulations, it would help reduce some conflicts they are having: raiding of claims; illegal shops- one cause of security breaches… We are hoping that with more manpower they would ensure shops are setup on legal landings…They meet the requirements of an interior shop,” Harding said.
He added that the association has requested GGMC to establish a complaints desk to facilitate and quickly resolve miners’ complaints. One of the most popular concerns that the Commission needs to look into is the issuance of cease work order indiscriminately.
He explained, “That order stops the miner from operating, which would be problematic for the miner who would have already invested large sums… These things should be expedited quickly so that the miner could get back to work in the shortest time possible.”
Share this:
Discover more from Kaieteur News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.