Small miners promised level playing field at Pork Knocker’s Day

Aug 26, 2012 News

In good weather with brilliant sunshine Pork Knocker’s Day 2012 was launched in Region Seven with an impressive opening ceremony, during which Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission Karen Livan reassured that the Commission wants equal opportunities for small and medium scale Miners.

The Warishi race was one of the highlights of the programme.

This is one of the vexing issues that has dominated discussions within the sector over the past few months.
Small miners have been complaining that the administration has been implementing measures that could see them being put out of business in favour of large mining companies.
Pock Knocker’s Day is designated to recognize the contributions of the small scale miners.
Last Saturday’s program of activities started with the popular “Warashi Race”, then the Takuba crossing competition, which was followed by the Batelling competition.
Minister Robert Persaud in his remarks at the activity, said that plans are also on stream to effectively deal with all the issues affecting the small miners to make them completely comfortable in the Industry .
He mentioned that the Government of Guyana will continue to put all systems in place to ensure that the efforts of the pioneers of the industry are nurtured and expanded.
He reminded that the Mining Sector is vibrant and dynamic with the increased level of activities, and with the high Gold prices, contributions from the sector to the National Economy, would be significant.
The Minister however pointed out that “our eyes” must not be taken off of critical issues which are ably articulated currently on a united platform to be effectively addressed . He also called for a zero-tolerance approach on the issue of Trafficking in Persons.
He implored miners to play their part in finding a permanent solution to this particular issue.
He also then made mention that there has been a Cabinet collaboration that will soon result in the resurfacing of roads, especially in Bartica, which lead to the mining districts.
There was a call for the establishment of a Pork Knocker Museum in Bartica to pay homage to the Pioneers of the Industry.

(Edward A Persaud)