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Persaud says he apologized to GGMC Commissioner
Brazilian given permission to mine 25 miles of Mazaruni River
Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud offered an apology to Head of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Karen Livan, his ministry reported yesterday.
Natural Resources Minister, Robert Persaud
There have been calls within recent days for the Minister to apologize to the Commissioner following a recent high profile meeting with Brazilians miners at the Celina Restaurant.
Following that meeting which was widely covered, there were objections by at least one women’s group over the “tone” of the Minister during a meeting while he was responding to revelations that a Brazilian was given permission to mine on state reserves.
The Minister, in expressing alarm, had called on Livan to explain the possible breach which was alleged to have occurred under her watch.
According to the Ministry yesterday, the “Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment rejects attempts to misrepresent comments and the tone of Minister Robert Persaud at a meeting with the Brazilian community held on May 16, 2012 in response to the Commissioner of Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Ms. Karen Livan signing a contract with a Brazilian National to mine on a state reserve.”
The statement said that the Minister and the Commissioner met on the matter where the “necessary clarifications were provided. Also, the Minister had conveyed his apology to the Commissioner if she felt offended by his statement and tone at the meeting as that was not his intention.”
Livan is set to proceed on retirement leave in a few months after serving for over 30 years in the public service.
Meanwhile, on the matter of the Brazilian being granted a contract to mine large river claims (20-25 miles of the Mazaruni River), the Ministry said that initial findings revealed a possible breakdown of administration within the Commission resulting in the issuance of the contract for mining purposes.
“This is still being investigated by the Chairman and Board of Directors of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission. They are re-examining the issuing of permissions/contracts and are to make recommendations to strengthen the processing of all applications.”
The Ministry warned that there will be no distraction from the efforts to improve the performance of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission.
On April 28, last, the management team, the Chairman and the Minister met to discuss the timely implementation of the outcome of the strategic management retreat held.
GGMCs Commissioner, Karen Livan
Recently, GGMC’s operations have come under scrutiny amidst a marked increase in mining activities as gold prices continue to remain high.
The Ministry of Natural Resources was established under the Donald Ramotar administration to oversee mining and other critical environmental agencies.
Government has also announced moves to revamp GGMC but the workers’ union, the Guyana Public Service Union has strongly object, saying that it has received complaints of political interference in the day-to-day runnings of that semi-autonomous state agency.
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