THE Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), following a meeting with the representative of the Mahdia Mining Committee has agreed to give an initial payout of over half a million dollars to the 27 families affected by the fire in Mahdia.
President of the GGDMA, Mr. Fred Mc Wilfred, yesterday announced that an initial sum of $20,000 per family will be paid out. This sum was agreed to following a meeting with the Mahdia Mining Committee (MMC). This sum is expected to help cushion the residents while the details and coordination with the other national and regional support bodies is being finalised.

This first payment will be distributed by the MMC and will be paid directly to the affected families. The GGDMA’s decision comes after a full update on the situation was provided by the MMC and an expressed concern for more urgent support. In the meantime, the GGDMA continues to gather support for the reconstruction and rebuilding of the mining community and is in the process of engaging regional and national officials on how the assistance to be provided by the association and the established Mahdia Relief Fund can be best utilised.

The GGDMA on July 1 established the Mahdia Relief Fund with the specific purpose to assist miners and members of the mining community of Mahdia, to date the fund had raised over 10 million Guyana dollars and have received commitments from several other companies. They noted that any distribution of resources for rebuilding and the process of rebuilding must be done in compliance with the community and regional authorities. 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 on June 30th which ravaged several businesses and the homes 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 and many of the businesses affected provide vital support for miners.