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I am not surprised at the recent outcry by some staff of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission in an article published by the Kaieteur News on February 15, 2013 captioned “GGMC views Ministry’s action as bullyism” Editor, it seems as though the GGMC has become accustomed to going astray over the past years since the ministry was established – the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment-and is making an effort to bring order to the accustomed cowboy operation to which there is much outcry.
The ministry was created out of a recognised necessity to harness the natural resources which belong to all the people of Guyana and to provide policy support and guidance. However, some staffers of the Commission who have been delinquent in the performance of their duties and who have been engaged in other malpractices, are now against positive changes for the sector.
I have been following this matter closely and it is evident that there was a process of consultation and I am of the belief that the ministry did not force itself on the GGMC as is being portrayed. Only recently, I read that there was adequate consultation with senior management of the commission;the Guyana Public Service Union;the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association and other stakeholders who have been calling for improved services and efficiency.
The time has come for the mining sector to be transformed so that all of Guyana can benefit. For this to become a reality changes are necessary and it is these changes that the staffers are afraid of. However, changes are a part of life and if the staffers know what’s best for them, they will adapt.
For too long the Commission has seen itself as a power of its own and the malfeasance they have been accustomed to will soon come to an end with the reorganizing and expanding of the monitoring and compliance arm of the GGMC. This is what some of the officers are afraid of, as they will not be allowed to continue business as usual.
The ministry was created out of a recognised necessity to harness the natural resources which belong to all the people of Guyana and to provide policy support and guidance. However, some staffers of the Commission who have been delinquent in the performance of their duties and who have been engaged in other malpractices, are now against positive changes for the sector.
I have been following this matter closely and it is evident that there was a process of consultation and I am of the belief that the ministry did not force itself on the GGMC as is being portrayed. Only recently, I read that there was adequate consultation with senior management of the commission;the Guyana Public Service Union;the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association and other stakeholders who have been calling for improved services and efficiency.
The time has come for the mining sector to be transformed so that all of Guyana can benefit. For this to become a reality changes are necessary and it is these changes that the staffers are afraid of. However, changes are a part of life and if the staffers know what’s best for them, they will adapt.
For too long the Commission has seen itself as a power of its own and the malfeasance they have been accustomed to will soon come to an end with the reorganizing and expanding of the monitoring and compliance arm of the GGMC. This is what some of the officers are afraid of, as they will not be allowed to continue business as usual.
