RESIDENTS of Aishalton in the Deep South Rupununi say they feel threatened by the flurry of illegal mining operations in their community.Douglas Casimero, Toshao (elected village leader) of Aishalton, said the illegal mining is taking place in the Marudi Mountains, bringing with it frightening activities, including violence and prostitution.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Mr Casimero said that miners from areas out of the Rupununi, including foreigners, are seen displaying weapons which are believed to be illegal.

Casimero said that apart from destroying the natural landscape, the illegal mining activities are undertaken without any regard for waste management, given the haphazard disposal of waste that is evident.

He said that while the dry season has kept the pollution under control, residents are concerned that when the rains come, destructive waste would be drained into the main waterways.

Casimero explained that Aishalton is not against foreigners, but the Marudi Mountains are “overflowing with foreigners” and other miners, who are conducting activities without proper documentation.

He said the mining activities have resulted in increased vehicular traffic throughout their titled land, including excavators, fuel trucks and other heavy duty vehicles, which are destroying the roads.

Toshao Casimero said there is no consideration for farm roads and bridges, and the fear is that when the rainy season comes, in addition to draining waste into the waterways, farms will be inaccessible.

He said excessive speeding is also a great cause for concern, since the miners have no regard for elderly people and children on the roads, and have little or no respect for the village leadership.

Further, the presence of illegal miners threatens the way of life of the people of Aishalton, with there being an overall increase in threats to the local culture.

“We recommend that the relevant authorities regularise the mining activities in Marudi Mountain, because we cannot accept illegal mining in that area. Let it be legal; we are not totally against mining…a lot of illegal activities are taking place there.”

He said that a meeting has been held with the Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, and a stakeholders’ meeting was scheduled to take place to iron out the issues. (Michel Outridge)