THE Guyana Police Force (GPF) received a brand new Honda all-terrain vehicle (ATV)  and two satellite phones yesterday, compliments of the Ministry of National Resources and the Environment and the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association (GGDMA).

The handing over was done by Minister Robert Persaud to Acting Police Commissioner Leroy Brumell, who accepted the gifts on behalf of the GPF, in the compound of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), on Brickdam, Georgetown.
The formality was witnessed by, among others, several top functionaries of the GPF, as well as GGDMA President Patrick Harding and executive member Dabria Marcus.
The donation, valued a total of some $2M, is part of an ongoing joint collaboration between the GGDMA and the GGMC to boost security and communication within the various mining districts, while improving the efficiency of the GPF ranks working in those hinterland areas, Harding said in his remarks at the presentation.
Alluding to the worrying increased security breaches in the hinterland locations within recent times, he said the things presented were the first in several planned initiatives to address the problem.
Consultation
He added that this initiative was taken following a consultation with Police Commander of E&F Division, Assistant Commissioner Gavin Primo, on several efforts to improve  security for the hinterland mining locations.
Harding recalled that, even though the Police, genuinely, wanted to be of help, they were somewhat handicapped due to the lack of resources.
The GGDMA and the industry, therefore, brainstormed and came up with a novel way of assisting to make the work of the Police easier, with the end result that the mining community would be made safer.
Communication was considered paramount, hence the choice of items donated. Also in the pipeline are plans for assistance to the Bartica Police in the form of solar panels to serve as a back-up in case of electricity blackouts; an offer of incentives for good performance by Police ranks working in the hinterland, all of which would go a long way towards enhancing security for miners.
Marcus assured that the GGDMA stands ready to assist the GPF in any other area that would contribute to better security for mining.
Meanwhile, Brumell, who  expressed appreciation for what was given to the GPF, admitted that, with the rise in the price of gold, the job of mining in the interior has now become very dangerous, resulting  in the necessity for greater security at such locations.
Consequently, he said it is planned for the Police to deploy more ranks to those areas, with a view to making mining safer.
The Acting Commissioner disclosed that in the E&F Division (covering the interior areas) so far, this year, has seen 33 murders and 46 firearms were found, suggesting that there is even greater need for stricter policing and surveillance in those places.
Hopeful
He said he is hopeful that those figures do not increase for the remainder of the year and he assured that the Commander is working assiduously, along with the GGMC and other stakeholders, to improve hinterland security.
Alluding to the recent demise of two policemen whose bodies were found at Karisparu Village days after they set out on patrol duties, Brumell assured that the deaths are still under investigation and vowed that the perpetrators, when caught, will be brought to justice.
Natural Resources Minister Persaud underscored the need for heightened security in the hinterland and said, in the same vein that Guyana would want to celebrate and promote mining, the authorities also desire to ensure that the miners can operate and carry out their activities in a very safe environment.
Even though the primary agency responsible for security is the GPF, he said, at the level of the GGMC Board, there is a security committee, which also involves the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), GGDMA and other relevant stakeholders.
Persaud said the issue of security in the hinterland is a burning one, especially in light of the statistics revealed by the Acting Police Commissioner.
The Minister said, with a problem of that magnitude, there should be every reason to intensity and deepen efforts to address this situation.
Admitting that there are constraints to fully providing the resources required at this juncture, he said:“That is why, as good citizens, as good organisations and as responsible stakeholders, all must step forward in making a contribution to enhancing our ability and our capability.”
He considered the donation of the ATV and two satellite phones substantial, adding that credit of 500 minutes has been placed in each phone to give the Police a jumpstart.
“What we see here today is a demonstration of the mining community coming together and making offering kind of support,”  Persaud said.
Priority
He pointed out that the issue of security in the hinterland locations is, for the Government, a very top priority and the Minister of Home Affairs, the President and the top brass of the  GDF will be locked in discussion on it.
Persaud also noted that, as miners continue to move towards where the gold is found, they automatically become separated from the Police security facilities (outposts) which are set up at fixed positions and, in response to this, the Ministry and the relevant stakeholders will now have to collaborate with the GPF to establish more checkpoints, as well as greater presence.
The Minister gave the assurance that his ministry and the GGDMA have always encouraged those involved in local mining operations to make sure camps are free of elements who may be inclined to break the law.
While aware that many of the miners and operators would be cooperating with the Police, he, however reiterated his call to persons who operate within the hinterland mining districts, to play their part so as to ensure mining in Guyana is safe, secure and environmentally friendly.
Acknowledging that 2012 would be an historic one for mining, Persaud said the sector also has to assure that this historical level of production and earning is not at the cost of lives, assets and the reputation of the mining community.
Alluding to a recent newspaper article where mining was classified as synonymous with lawlessness, the Minister said: “All of us, all stakeholders must combat that perception…not merely by saying that it is not true but by what we do and, as it were, taking steps and demonstrating our commitment.”
He also disclosed that a request for a boat and engine is soon to be addressed, since it is of great import, in terms of making miners safer.
“We are willing , as it were, to further commit resources in this regard,” was his response, stating that he is optimistic that the GPF will cooperate with ranks in the field.
He appealed to the Ministry of Home Affairs to address, very early, matters in relation to security for the hinterland locations, including expediting applications from miners for firearms, once they are in order and satisfy the legal requirements.
Persaud thanked the GGDMA for its support and said he looks forward to its continuing cooperation.a