Ministerial confab …mining, agriculture sectors up for serious discussion at ministers’ conference today
President David Granger
President David Granger

President David Granger will today break from the regular Cabinet meeting to host what has been described as a ministers’ conference, with the mining and agriculture sectors up for serious discussions, well-placed sources have confirmed. Discussions on the reshuffling of permanent secretaries as well as the controversial parking meter project are also likely to feature on the agenda of the conference, the source close to cabinet has revealed. The conference will be held at State House.
Guyana Chronicle was told that unlike cabinet meetings,today’s conference will see both senior and junior ministers attending.
Meanwhile, regarding the mining sector,the conference will more than likely deal with the public pronouncements by the Guyana Gold and Diamond Mining Association about the state of the industry.

Members of the local mining industry had given President Granger two weeks to meet with

Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder

them or face immediate protest action. Miners say they have been expressing their concerns for a number of weeks but have gained no meaningful outcome. The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) and Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMA) last month issued a public notice extending an invitation to the Head of State, who they believe will be more accommodating to their plight. The miners claim that previous meetings with other officials were “hijacked” thus causing their concerns to remain outstanding. Administrative Manager of the GGDMA,Colin Sparman,had told the Guyana Chronicle that the tax matters are of deep concern to all miners and must be addressed by the President. He said the mining industry has contributed a lot to the country before,noting how the new tax measures will “squeeze the life out of the industry.”
The miners expressed discontent, stating that after 30 years of operating under the established tax code, they as the main stakeholders should have had some input as to the new tax measures that directly affect them and their families. “We will not accede to conditions imposed upon the industry where there has not even been the courtesy of prior consultation,” the miners insisted.
With respect to the agriculture sector, rice farmers have been complaining about markets, delinquent millers and other issues. The all-important decision on the future of the Guyana Sugar Corporation will also be an agenda item. Over the weekend, Agriculture Minister, Noel Holder,was in Essequibo during a two-day outreach during which he disclosed that

Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman

government was considering opening up its own rice mill to solve some of the issues famers face in pricing and market and is also engaging the banks to address the issue of financing.
Among the concerns raised at the two-day outreach were: the implementation of VAT on agricultural equipment, the need for more markets to be secured, changes to the Rice Factory Act, government intervention to ensure payments are received from millers, grading of rice among others.

According to a release by the Ministry the Agriculture,Holder spoke of efforts by government to ensure that farmers can access loans. He disclosed that the Bankers Association is presently addressing the issue and will officially address farmers in the near future. “We are concerned about your livelihood and we want to see how we can bring the much-needed support to ensure the industry prevails…” the minister is quoted in the release as saying.

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