I WISH to make an input into the ongoing discussions between the government and the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) regarding a temporary suspension of the processing of new river claims. The GGDMA, I believe, has been misguided and acted in haste in a mad rush to publish an advisory which exposes their insecurity and contradicted the very objective of the organisation. It seems that executive members of the GGDMA are supportive of rampant illegal mining and wanton destruction of our forests, changing river courses, polluting waterways and threatening the very existence of some hinterland and riverain communities.

The government and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission in particular over the past few months have come under rigorous scrutiny to tackle illegal mining and regularisation of the mining sector through sustainable mining practices. However, it seems as if the GGDMA is bent on continuing business as usual, rather than making an effort to have its members and other stakeholders regularise their mining activities, whether in land or river-mining.
Also, I have seen how unregulated mining activities have destroyed the environment in other countries and Guyana urgently needs to tackle this issue of river mining and regulate other mining activities to ensure a sustainable mining sector. As the price of gold is still high, more persons will continue to get involved within the mining sector and the need to monitor and regulate mining activities will be greater; and we need to start now so as to protect an industry and resource that belong to all Guyanese.
It is a fact that the GGDMA is fearful of losing its membership by its lack of representation it gives to its members but, at the same time, the association has a more important social and environmental responsibility rather than thinking of economic gains and continuing to plunder Guyana’s rich landscape indiscriminately.
Finally, I would hope that better sense prevails and the GGDMA will find common ground in representing its members and, at the same time, collaborate with the lead agency for mining: the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission to objectively address the concerns of all stakeholders.