GOVERNANCE Minister Raphael Trotman yesterday met Chairman of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Clinton Williams, and officials of the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) in a bid to better understand what is taking place in the mining sector.Trotman told the Chronicle that the meeting was intended to address the issue of gold smuggling. “I met with the Gold Board and the Chairman of the GGMC to see where we are,” he said.

Another meeting with key stakeholders will be held on September 15th instant to address the issue of gold smuggling. “I will be meeting with other stakeholders — like the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the GGMC,” the minister said.

Asked whether the meeting was fruitful, Trotman replied in the affirmative. “It was fruitful because it gave us a better understanding as to where we are and as to what is happening,” he declared.

Trotman also said the Guyana Government is working with foreign governments to address the issue of gold smuggling. He noted that while Guyana has porous borders, actions taken have been fruitful.

“Actions led to discoveries…some things are working!” he said, adding, “There are known persons, local and international, who are on the radar.”

The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) said it is saddened by the fact that some members of the mining community want to tarnish the reputation of legitimate operators. The association has vehemently issued a call on all miners to sell their gold to the Guyana Gold Board or to licensed dealers, and to demand receipts for their transactions.

“In light of the recent disclosure about gold smuggling in Guyana, The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) wishes to make it abundantly clear that it DOES NOT condone, support, or in any way encourage the smuggling of gold,” the Association noted in a statement on Thursday, ahead of its Annual General Meeting today.

The GGDMA warned that with the extraction of minerals from the country’s subsurface comes certain responsibilities. “One such responsibility is to ensure that Guyana gets its required benefit. Smuggling does not benefit Guyana, and only serves to enrich a few greedy individuals. Additionally, it opens up several avenues for additional illegal activities”.

“Many forms of media placements, releases, and even cartoons have been used to try to drive home the message”, the Association has said.

The GGDMA calls for a “proper investigation” to be conducted so as to ensure that “legitimate miners” are cleared of this stain.

“Legitimate miners do not smuggle gold, we are in the business of mining, and work hard to ensure that our practices are free from hassles and are compliant with the law,” the Association has said.

By Ariana Gordon