GUYANA’S historical policy on mining and exploration in the New Triangle Area, South-East Berbice, according to Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon is not set in stone.

“There is no doubt that there will come a time when the 2006 to 2011 behaviours and consideration of this administration will not be binding on any other administration …it is not a decision in stone,” he said.
The clarification was made at a press conference last Tuesday and was followed by the announcement on Saturday by Muri Ventures Inc. that the local investment venture was scrapped, due to “misinformation, prejudice and hostility” surrounding the project.
At his press conference last week, Luncheon said: “Historically we have not encouraged mining in that area (New River Triangle). This discouragement has extended to exploration and prospecting, in addition to mining.”
However, he made it clear that he had no doubts that this policy could change with time.
The HPS stressed that there “will” and “must” come a time when the resources in the area will be exploited for the benefit of the nation.
“I am certain that the Guyanese people, the nation, can, should and would benefit from the exploration and exploitation of those natural resources that belong to the people,” Luncheon said.
He added that the existing policy has nothing to do with external factors.
“Unlike those who feel that this decision reposes in some concern that are external to the Guyanese and the development thrust of this administration, I want to disabuse their minds of this notion,” Luncheon said.
The decision of Muri Ventures Inc. had made it the latest major investor Guyana has lost.
The company, according to its statement announcing its withdrawal will no longer pursue its geographical and geophysical survey under the Permission for Geographical and Geophysical Survey (PGGS) in the New River Triangle area, which was granted by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).
The PGGS document signed between the GGMC and Muri Brasil Ventures Inc. was leaked to the press and led to allegations that Natural Resources and Environment Minister, Robert Persaud, withheld information – an allegation he has denied.
Registered locally under the Companies Act with local shareholders, the company expressed its appreciation for those who supported the project, even in light of the controversial debates surrounding the venture.

(Vanessa Narine)