MINISTER of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud has urged the mining industry players to ensure that miners are treated fairly, and that they get “value for their money” as the mining sector continues to grow and make record achievements.

Minister Persaud was at the time speaking at the official commissioning of HFD Mining Supplies, a Surinamese enterprise located on Oronoque and Forshaw Streets, Queenstown.
The investment, he said, is timely, even as the mining sector continues to move forward, and is advancing technologically as well.
This, he said, means that the Natural Resources Ministry and the relevant agencies must ensure that issues such as efficiency, cost reduction, environmental mining practices and suppliers’ support are addressed.  In so doing, they must look at the types of technology, training, services and collaboration with miners to bring about the kind of objectives that are required.
Thus far, gold declaration is about 340,000 ounces, which is a 24 percent increase over the same period last year.
Minister Persaud said that with close to 16,000 registered dredges and 10,000 licenced operations, the company will see great success.

INVESTMENTS
Noting that Government has created an enabling environment in order to encourage investments both local and foreign, Minister Persaud said the fact that there has been several Surinamese enterprises in all sectors, means that the private sector is growing.
He also expressed optimism that those investments will do well for the relationship between Guyana and Suriname.
Minister Persaud challenged the private sector to reciprocate and look at opportunities that exist in Suriname because the sector is growing at the magnitude where it has regional and extra-regional recognition.
He also urged stakeholders to look at what other regional private sectors are doing and explore other opportunities.
The relationship between Guyana and Suriname is healthy, and it is government’s intention to ensure that it maintains that relationship, preparing the relevant environment.
Owner of HFD Mining Supplies, Karel Dawson expressed happiness with the hospitality he received when he decided to invest in Guyana. “I felt at home when I decided to bring my family to Guyana…my intention is to grow from strength to strength in Guyana,” he said.
Dawson said he will continue to explore avenues and spread his business into other regions.
Meanwhile, Trade and Investment Sub Committee Chair of the Private Sector Commission, Ramesh Dookhoo reiterated that the Private Sector is growing rapidly. He said the sector welcomes all foreign investors and will ensure that they are treated equally.