GGMC staffers urged to make accountability, transparency top agenda

Aug 13, 2020 News

– GFC’s cash woes to engage Cabinet

Minister Bharrat meets with GGMC management staff on Tuesday.

MNR Permanent Secretary, Mr. Joslyn McKenzie (left) along with GFC Commissioner (ag) Mr. Gavin Agard, with Minister Bharrat (Centre) on a tour of the GFC

Solidifying his intention of having a hands-on approach with the Ministry of Natural Resources and its agencies, Minister Vickram Bharrat on Tuesday conducted a tour of three of the biggest entities under his watch.
According to the ministry afterwards, the visits served as a direct effort to interact with management and staff, analyze and understand agency operations and addressing the issues.
Commencing at the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), Bharrat toured the Kingston facilities and listened to matters which have been affecting the staffers and the GFC.
Among these were the issues of salary payments, vehicular and system maintenance, and sustainable utilization of concessions.
The minister, according to a statement, made it clear that the sector’s efficient management is paramount and moving it forward should be the single objective.
With regards to the cash-strapped situation which has hamstrung GFC, the minister indicated that the matter of salaries is one of grave concern.
He assured the staffers that the matters would be taken to the Cabinet of Ministers.
GFC is reportedly asking for over $500M.
However, he acknowledged that the relief would be only temporary and there is need for long term solutions for GFC.
He pledged accountability and transparency under his leadership, with zero tolerance towards corruption. He vowed to seek ways of better facilitating investors and easing bureaucratic lines as part of the vision of President Irfaan Ali and the Government.
The Minister then visited the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) where he inspected the work areas and held a meeting with the senior managers.
He also promised to ask Cabinet for guidance on the challenges.
“Additionally, he encouraged professionalism and decorum of the staff and noted that it is his intention to maintain the team, once they are committed to working towards the development of the sector, ensuring benefits are derived. He again reinforced the idea of accountability and transparency to the citizens of Guyana given that the patrimony belongs to them.”
The visits culminated at the Guyana Gold Board office, Queenstown, allowing the Minister to inspect operations and conduct brief staff interactions.
“The Minister believes that in order to manage the sector there is need to build a team. This would not only ensure that the Ministry is pushed forward but that Guyana propels. It is the Minister’s intention to have greater coordination and collaboration between the regulatory agencies (GGMC, GGB, and GFC) in efforts to save resources and have a more meaningful impact on the sector.

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