AS Government works towards advancing the mining sector, the syndicate initiative is being undertaken to ensure that women receive equal opportunities in the movement.
This was noted on Wednesday by Junior Minister of Natural Resources,Simona Broomes,when she accompanied Minister of Natural Resources,Raphael Trotman, who appeared before the Parliamentary Committee for Economic Services.
The authorities created the opportunity for small miners who traditionally have had limited access to mining lands, invariably as tenants to bigger mining landlords,under conditions which were deemed to be unfair, even exploitative.
Broomes told the committee on Wednesday that Guyanese are aware of the challenges small miners face in the sector.
She said that initiative was taken to cluster the small miners together by pooling resources, noting that it advances social cohesion.
She pointed out that Government is providing general attention to women in the male-dominated sector.
“The view and the consideration of women are being looked at,” she said.
Broomes said since the formation, there are women who function in the syndicates in senior positions, noting that it provides a whole “new outlook” for the female gender.
She said syndicates provide equal opportunities for women involved in mining, noting that the move has been long overdue.
“Women are not only chefs and cooks,” she said as she made reference to those involved in mining.
A syndicate is comprised of many persons, as much as one hundred members, and according to Broomes, the Natural Resources Ministry has ensured that the groups are mainly focused on addressing the concerns of small miners within the sector.
To date, there are some 15 syndicates across the mining districts of the country; the maximum number being pursued is 20.
At Wednesday’s meeting, committee member and Minister of State,Joseph Harmon and Opposition Member of Parliament,Neil Kumar,commended Broomes on the initiative.