— says porous borders could be leaking minerals

MINISTER of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, has expressed concerns about Guyana’s porous borders, which he said makes it easy for illegal aircraft and other types of transport to move our minerals out of the country without the requisite royalty been paid to the State.
Trotman made the comments while addressing the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission Annual Awards Celebration, Mining Week 2017 on Sunday at the Tower Suites. The minister said that he saw media reports of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners’ Association (GGDMA) predicting a million ozs declaration in the future and he was in total agreement. “I believe if we can curtail the illegal transactions then our declarations are going to be much higher than it presently is,” Trotman said. Over recent months, two illegal airstrips were discovered in the Rupununi as well as an abandoned aircraft.
Also to be complemented is the increased efforts by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission that are showing improved declarations in sand and stone. “Your stalwart service has been noted and I believe you will agree with me when I say you have been amply rewarded. You have received an increase in salary and increase in allowances, plus your cry for more office space was heard and addressed, with the new office space in Subryanville, although there does appear to be some difficulties with the residents, I am sure it will be resolved soon to your benefit.”

Tax relief
To the miners the minister said: “I know you have worked hard and you have been saying that the government is not doing enough for you. I know you have been asking for tax relief on equipment and fuel, and we have been working to have these addressed.”
On the issue of lands for miners who do not have, Trotman said government is committed to a level playing field, and to this end during 2016, the administration made lands available to 238 miners who did not have any lands, and this year they are working with the syndicate groups. “This is all in the effort to reduce the instances of small miners crying foul when the lands that they would have rented from other miners proved fruitful and they get put off. Now owning your own mining lands, it is hoped that the government will see the returns in improved declarations. In addition, it is hoped that with the syndicates, miners will come together and work as a team, expensive equipment (bulldozers, excavators, etc) should not be idle; join together and help each other to move ahead,” the Natural Resources Minister declared.
Trotman singled out the awardee for environmental stewardship. “We are a developing nation, and in order to grow, all of us need a shoulder to stand on, so thanks for being that shoulder. So, to all the hard working, dedicated members of the mining fraternity in Guyana, I salute you. Do not be influenced by the few bad examples amongst you. Rather, influence them to do good deeds and thereby lift the standard of the Industry to new heights.”
Mining Week 2017 is being observed under the banner of this year’s theme: “Mining Clean; Living Green”. This year’s celebrations will culminate with Pork Knockers Day next weekend. Trotman said it is being held against a bigger backdrop surrounding two issues.