There has been a lot of misinformation relating to the mining sector which has led to fear among stakeholders and the subsequent action we saw of them shutting down Bartica for a day.  However, the Barticians must be commended for being firm on wanting no political interference and in being willing to discuss the issue and find solutions. In explaining the six months notice, the Prime Minister reiterated that Government has been and will continue to provide support to the mining sector. We have also heard Government saying that mining is here to stay and why would it want to close such an important sector that contributes so significantly to the economy? Mining was the only sector that remained untroubled by the crisis and recorded growth.

We must not forget however that Guyana’s natural resources are there for all Guyanese and it is no secret that mining practices are damaging the environment. Given the fact that there is heightened need for protection of the environment in light of global warming and the effects of climate change, there is need for changes in the way we approach things relating to Guyana’s natural resources and the way in which we utilize these.

Miners should try to be more responsible in their mining practices and in doing so they would be more efficient and in essence that is that the new regulations seek to do, from my understanding.

It is unfortunate that the politicians who are up in arms supporting and pushing miners to take action against the regulations are the same ones who had spoken against Government when the environment was being damaged and said that Government was doing nothing to protect the environment.

We have all seen the effects of mining at some point or the other, and Barticians should not forget the spill in Omai and how it affected people from places all around. Guyana is not the only country seeking to regulate mining operations. The world will move to outlaw mercury mining in the near future because of its devastating effects on the environment.

Protecting the environment is what I think we would all want, in order to preserve it and ensure the survival of mankind.