PERMIT me to shed some light on a letter written by E. B. John which was published by the Stabroek News on Friday, January 20, 2012 under the caption: ‘Where in the GGMC Act is the minister empowered to make appointments?’
First of all, I am aware that E. B. John was part of a consultancy by S.V. Jones Associates to guide the implementation of the Human Resources Management recommendations of the GGMC.
E. B. John has been paid for his services but is now discrediting the work he supervised that was supposed to be done diligently to reorganise the management of GGMC. It seems as if he is having doubts in his own work and his performance in the consultancy should be reviewed by his principals.        
I have been following the news attentively as it relates to the mining sector in particular the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, and I can unequivocally state that miners and the industry as a whole are pleased with new appointments and other transformational changes being spearheaded by the Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment.
The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association and small/medium scale miners welcome the changes and other planned transformation to improve the services of the mining sector.
It is also pleasing that the minister took time to consult with the GGMC, the Guyana Public Service Union and other stakeholders which resulted in the appointment of a Commissioner and two Deputy Commissioners. This is what democracy and transparency is all about.
In moving forward, I urge that the GGMC and other authorities ignore E. B. John for his lack of appreciation for consultation and transparency and allow the Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment and the newly appointed officers of GGMC to function and serve the people of Guyana.