THE distortions contained in a paid advertisement in the Kaieteur News on May 2, reflects views contrary to the facts regarding the mining industry. The advertisement accuses the Government of using its power to exploit miners, when in reality it acknowledged the significant contributions of the industry and is determined to ensure its survival. I would have expected miners and the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) to be aware of Government’s proposals to put limits on the number of leases at each scale which a miner may hold during the prospecting stage and who stands to benefit from such an initiative.
This ill-informed advertisement is simply a mischievous tactic to stymie any change as it relates to compliance to the regulations that seek to facilitate small-scale mining.
Miners should stop and think; what does the Government stand to gain from putting a very crucial industry that contributes significantly to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) out of operation?
Interestingly enough, this advertisement seems to be skewed to promote the cause of large-scale miners. What about the smaller miners?
Further, the revenues from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) which were allegedly “taken away” by the Government go towards developing infrastructure to benefit all of Guyana , particularly mining communities.