THE Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) on Tuesday marked its 33rd anniversary with a ceremony at the Georgetown Club. In opening remarks to the audience, Commissioner of the GGMC, Ms. Karen Livan, scheduled to retire later this year, reflected on the commission’s achievements over the past 33 years, and revealed that the price of gold has moved from US$279 in the 1980s to US$1145 presently.
She pointed out that there are new challenges currently facing the sector, particularly in relation to the environment; but the birth of the new ministry under the stewardship of the Honourable Robert Persaud has seen the commission benefiting from good support programmes, legislation, and sound policy directives.
The expectation is now high for sustained growth in the sector, even as the striving for internationally accepted standards continues.
Ms. Livan also said that the commission has benefited from competitive remuneration brought about by rising gold and mineral prices, among other things.
Minister Persaud commended the GGMC for its achievements, and said post- independence past and present governments have sought to develop and realise the rich and abundant natural wealth of the country for all of its citizens; but changes in the sector — both locally and internationally — dictate that the realisation and development of the sector has to be done in a way that is sustainable, and that will derive maximum benefits for the country.
To this end, there is a need to ensure Guyana has the types of institutions, mechanisms, and regulatory and supportive framework to enable future generations to participate in, experience, and benefit from that wealth.
Given the challenges in the sector, Minister Persaud said institutions such as the GGMC – and particularly those in the extractive sector – will continue to be very critical to the realisation of Guyana’s natural wealth.
He commended the leadership, technical expertise, hard work, and commitment of the staff; and opined that if the commission is to go forward, it will depend heavily on the commitment and level of expertise possessed by the staff.
Minister Persaud declared that the future of the sector looks bright, and as evidence, he pointed to the record levels of gold being extracted; the prices being paid, which are at an all-time high; unprecedented activity in terms of prospecting and exploration; the unprecedented numbers of dredges and claims; the increasing number of medium-scale operations; and the establishment of two major gold mines, manganese operations and uranium explorations.
He also said the commission is in the process of issuing prospecting licences for extracting iron ore.
The minister used the opportunity to announce that the necessary resources are to be provided to the staff, and that Cabinet has taken a decision that will soon see GGMC taking ownership of a facility that is presently under construction on High Street. This facility, the former location of the Guyana Broadcasting Corporation, was initially slated to house the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.
He also greeted the gathering on behalf of Prime Minister Samuel Hinds.
As part of the GGMC celebrations, several members of staff were awarded for long service, and there was also a presentation of bursary awards.