THE Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association has established a relief fund to assist miners and members of the mining community of Mahdia following the devastating fire which ravaged the community last evening. Executive Director of the GGDMA, Edward Shields, noted that the members of the association have expressed deep concern upon hearing the news of last evening’s tragedy which has left several residents homeless. A decision was taken to immediately establish the Mahdia Relief Fund. He noted “we are pledging our support for miners and members of the community in their rebuilding efforts.”
Executive members of the association are expected to visit the area tomorrow to assess, first hand, the damage done. While there they will meet with Mahdia Mining Committee to determine what the urgent needs within the community are and other areas of support. The priority for the association is to ensure that the displaced residents find shelter and start the rebuilding process.
So far the GGDMA has received donations from Mr. Stanislaus Jardim, Mr. Afro Alphonso, Mr. Chunilall Baboolall (CDR Mining), Mr. Mahendra Persaud ( Crown Mining), Mr. Yucatan Reis ( Excel Minerals), Mr. Patrick Perriera and Mr. Shawn Hopkinson. The fund presently stands at over ten (10) million dollars along with a pledge of over one million dollars in timber. The fund has been set up at the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association and persons who wish to contribute can contact the GGDMA at lot 29 North Road Bourda or on Telephone Numbers 225-2217 or fax 225-1828.
The mining community of Mahdia was devastated by fire last evening which ravaged several businesses and the home of several residents. As many as 150 persons have been left homeless and the damage in property is still being assessed. Mahdia is the central hub for the mining activities in Region eight.