GOVERNMENT has said that it has adopted zero tolerance against persons who are found to be involved in child labour and human trafficking.

This was reiterated by Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Robert Persaud, during a recent interview with the state media.The minister  maintained that steps are being taken in this regard.
The Guyana government is setting up  the Trafficking in Persons Unit, paying keen attention to the issue and raising awareness of the scourge, and in so doing encouraging members of communities to ensure it does not happen in their respective areas.
“At all times the activities of our mining communities must be consistent with the law…at the end of the day all of us must be proud in associating our selves,” he said.
The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has been given clear instructions to collaborate with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to raid all mining camps to ensure compliance.
“I want all of us in our community, particularly the police to be vigilant and to take proper action, as it does not cast a good image,” he said.
Persaud encouraged the mining community not to let the wrongs of some deter the performance of the sector and affect its image, as thus far production has been favourable.
The Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO) will be launching a campaign to rid the sector of the scourge, and its President, Simona Broomes has voiced concerns over the issues and issued a stern warning against perpetrators.
Today, during the ceremonial sod- turning ceremony for the construction of a multi-purpose building in Port Kaituma, Broomes used the occasion to address the matter.
Broomes has also issued a call for the GPF, to be more vigilant in looking out for such cases.        “We will not condone this behaviour….we will be back to launch a campaign in the backdam,” she said.
In the past, there have been complaints by small miners of access to mining properties, and the government has been looking at alternatives to remedy the situation.
This has since seen two lotteries being held, and Persaud announced that a third will be conducted in December targeting small miners.