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MINISTER of Natural Resources and the Environment, Mr. Robert Persaud has reiterated the Guyana Government’s zero tolerance for gold smuggling as well as give a blunt reminder that it’s a criminal offence and anyone found culpable will face the full force of the law. The minister made the declaration during an emergency meeting he convened on Saturday last with officials from the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) and licenced gold and diamond dealers, following reports in the local and international media of a Guyana fishing vessel which smuggled out 470 pounds of raw gold worth US$11.5 million.
According to information received, the vessel was attacked and robbed upon its arrival in Curacao on Friday morning by masked gunmen who were dressed as policemen just after it docked and made off with the smuggled merchandise.
The Minister stated that the President of Guyana and the government are very concerned and are treating the report with a high level of seriousness. As such, the Government and law enforcement sector will work with concerned international authorities to ascertain the source of the gold, according to a report from the Government Information Agency (GINA).
The GGDMA’s President, Mr. Patrick Harding recalled that all the association members have been urged to sell gold to the Guyana Gold Board or authorised dealers.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment has also been seeking to work with Suriname, Brazil and Venezuela to reduce all forms of illegal minerals trade and will continue to work with all stakeholders of the gold industry to ensure that more stringent measures are implemented and enforced to ensure the legal trade of Guyana’s gold is maintained.
As such, GINA said a special task force which will include representatives from the GGDMA, law enforcement authorities, Customs and Trade Administration, among other stakeholders has been put together to review the current regulations so as to prevent the smuggling of gold and other minerals.
Minister Persaud was accompanied by officials of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and the Guyana Gold Board, at the emergency meeting.
According to information received, the vessel was attacked and robbed upon its arrival in Curacao on Friday morning by masked gunmen who were dressed as policemen just after it docked and made off with the smuggled merchandise.
The Minister stated that the President of Guyana and the government are very concerned and are treating the report with a high level of seriousness. As such, the Government and law enforcement sector will work with concerned international authorities to ascertain the source of the gold, according to a report from the Government Information Agency (GINA).
The GGDMA’s President, Mr. Patrick Harding recalled that all the association members have been urged to sell gold to the Guyana Gold Board or authorised dealers.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment has also been seeking to work with Suriname, Brazil and Venezuela to reduce all forms of illegal minerals trade and will continue to work with all stakeholders of the gold industry to ensure that more stringent measures are implemented and enforced to ensure the legal trade of Guyana’s gold is maintained.
As such, GINA said a special task force which will include representatives from the GGDMA, law enforcement authorities, Customs and Trade Administration, among other stakeholders has been put together to review the current regulations so as to prevent the smuggling of gold and other minerals.
Minister Persaud was accompanied by officials of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and the Guyana Gold Board, at the emergency meeting.
