FOLLOWING the publication of an unsavoury article in yesterday’s edition of the Guyana Times about Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Ms Simona Broomes, plans are afoot to take legal action against the newspaper.The article at reference, reportedly carried on Page Three of the newspaper, was headlined, “Land titling, conflict of interest fiasco brewing…Minister Broomes mining lucrative Amerindian lands…”
Describing the offending piece as “scurrilous and mendacious” among other things, the Minister’s office said in a statement:
“The newspaper scandalously reports that Minister Broomes is among several persons involved in lucrative mining operations in Tasserene, an Akawaio community located in the Upper Mazaruni Region.”
Besides noting that the report was “libelous and scandalous”, the statement goes on to say: “Minister Broomes has never mined in the areas specified, and has not engaged in active mining for over two years.”
According to the statement, the three blocks (B-149/MP/100, B-149/MP/001 and B150/MP000) referred to in the Guyana Times report as having been issued in April 2013, were in fact prospecting permits issued to Broomes on August 16, 2006.
It was also noted that in 2012, Broomes entered into an exploration agreement (Memorandum of Understanding) with Pharsalus Gold Inc. (Troy Resources) to do medium scale prospecting on properties owned by her.
“Block B-149/MP001 was transferred to Persaud & Associates Trust Inc. (Guyana Company No. 7026) on 28th November 2014,” the Office said, adding:
“As stated before, Ms. Simona Broomes ceased to be an active miner over two years ago. As President of the Guyana Women’s Miners Organisation, Ms. Broomes has never engaged in mining in Amerindian areas.”
In closing, the Office said: “If the Sunday Times had engaged in ethical journalistic practices and called on the Minister for a response to the erroneous claims, the newspaper would have avoided the lawsuit for libel and slander, which will be filed.”