Trotman plugs ‘clean environment project’

By Ravin Singh

AT the height of transformation activities to restore the Garden City, the Ministry of Natural Resources has recommitted itself to ensuring that preservation of the environment remains a top national priority. Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman gave this commitment while speaking at a press conference at his Brickdam office Thursday last.
He explained that preservation remains high on the list of priorities of the ministry and efforts have been made to not only talk about environmental preservation, but also to support action that will have an impact on the environment.
The minister disclosed that these efforts are being implemented under the ministry’s ‘A clean environment project’, which seeks to provide tangible support to communities and citizens who have initiated efforts to enhance their environment.
“BEST KEPT SCHOOL”

In April this year, the “Best Kept School” competition was launched in Region Five and early in May, the project provided support to Bartica to assist with the cleaning up of its beach-front areas before the mining township was officially declared a town.
Against this backdrop, the minister noted that efforts in this regard are still ongoing, and all the major districts including Lethem, Kwakwani and Mabaruma are expected to benefit from support.
Additionally, he explained that during this weekend a team from the Natural Resources Ministry will be heading to Kwakwani to support that community and assist in efforts to enhance its environment.
“While in Kwakwani, we will be formalising an agreement between several Region 10 small loggers’ associations and the GFC (Guyana Forestry Commission), whereby a fee-payment restructuring was arrived at to allow their operations to remain viable. The same will be applied to other logging associations throughout the country,” the minister added.

ENGAGING GGDMA
Meanwhile, Trotman sought to comment on engagements between the ministry and the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) since the new government’s assumption of office last year.
He explained that since taking office, the ministry has been engaging GGDMA via bi-monthly meetings, with the most recent being held on Tuesday, May 10. Minister Trotman revealed that at this meeting, candid discussions were had about a number of issues of concern to the association.
Among the issues discussed were duty-free concessions for fuel and spare parts, and the decision of the government to halt all mining of river banks.
Trotman was keen to note that, “it was reiterated that this practice will not be allowed, since it is in the first case illegal and secondly, negatively affects the environment.”
It was also noted that the GGDMA apprised the minister of a special project for small miners and reiterated its request for blocks to be given to it for the project. To this end, the minister revealed that he extended acknowledgement for the support of the association.
“The ministry and the GGDMA executive recommitted to strengthening the relationship to address issues of immediate concern. We wish to thank the executive for the positive and responsible way in which it has been addressing its concerns with the ministry,” Minister Trotman said.