GHRA welcomes Ministerial response in protection of rivers

Apr 22, 2017 Letters

Dear Editor,
The Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) welcomes the action taken by the Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, to conduct a rapid assessment of the damage caused by gold-mining to major river systems in Guyana. Confirmation of the alarm sounded by the GHRA has come from a variety of knowledgeable sources, who have pointed out that the tributaries to major rivers, not so visible from the air, are in worse shape than the rivers themselves.
The GHRA noted at the time that “the response to this decision reveals the scale of the odds facing even the most basic initiatives to enhance environmental protection in an industry which, according to press reports loses a minimum of USD240 million per annum in illegal gold exports.” This time around the stakes are higher because not only environmental advocates, but the average Guyanese citizen for whom our rivers were a source of pride, are more aware of the economic and environmental costs involved. Since 2012 scientific evidence generated by the REDD+ programme has demonstrated not only that mining is destroying waterways, but is also the main contributor to forest degradation as a whole. Not just interior communities but many more Guyanese will be at risk if the authorities do not move vigorously against the irrevocable destruction of fresh water resources on which the society as a whole depend.
No doubt the dubious concept of a ‘basic right to mining’ will be revived; while never generating serious credibility this ‘right’ is resoundingly trumped by the more immediate claims of indigenous communities, of the larger society and global climate change interests. The Guyana Shield is currently one of the world’s largest reservoirs of fresh water and even on limited cost/benefit economic calculations the uncontrolled destruction of our rivers is short-sighted.
Money cannot be the only factor determining where gold-mining takes place. Moreover, although small miners are allegedly those responsible for environmental damage, this is to misunderstand the dynamics of an industry which operates to the benefit of a few large owners who out-source State lands with no regard to the environmental costs. The mining sector in particular needs to demonstrate much greater purposefulness with respect to Guyana’s natural assets. For example, the recent announcement of new licenses granted in the Marudi, Madhia and Region 1 Mining districts provided an opportunity to reinforce obligations to environmental restoration, non-use of mercury and other standards which should be non-negotiable.
Placing the mining industry on a modern, equitable and efficient basis and pursing these goals within the national interest is a task for which many human energies and resources need to be mobilized. The responsibility of the State is to create equitable relations between all citizens, not to pander or privilege destructive elements. The GHRA is also confident that the bulk of the mining industry will be in agreement with such a goal. To this end, the GHRA calls for an inclusive national initiative to develop a more fundamental response to protection of fresh water resources, and reiterates its earlier call for an effective ban on all river-related mining.
Executive Committee
Guyana Human Rights Association

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