DESPITE some intermittent showers, hundreds gathered at the Bayroc Community Centre in Linden to celebrate Pork-knockers’ Day 2017, which brought the curtains down to a week of mining-related activities. It was the first time that this annual event was held in Linden as opposed to Bartica.

According to Donald Singh, Process Coordinator at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Linden was chosen in recognition of the town’s celebration of 100-plus years of bauxite mining, in addition to the many Lindeners who would have contributed significantly to the mining industry as pork knockers.

The day of activities commenced with a welcome from Mayor of Linden, Carwyn Holland; brief remarks from Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman, and Commissioner of GGMC, Newell Dennison, along with cultural performances.
The floor was then opened for the many competitions, including outdoor and indoor games such as cricket and dominoes. Competing were staff of the GGMC and members of various mining groups, organisations and syndicates.

It was noted, however, by Singh that there was the absence of many of the mining organisations in this year’s events which he deemed as unfortunate.

SCARCE
“It terms of the actual miners, it is a bit scarce, we would normally have large miners also being part, but we don’t have any this year… there are a lot of issues, we see it in the papers, the miners, the GGDMA, GWMO, they are not happy with how things are happening so that may be the reason,” Singh commented.

Many Lindeners; however, took the opportunity to take part in mining games such as the warishi race, and the tacouba crossing, shovel joggling and the bateling competitions which saw many winners going home with cash prizes and trophies.

Spectators looked on curiously at how the bateling is done and were in awe at how gold and diamonds are retrieved. Several booths set up by GGMC and other mining organisations allowed those persons on hand to retrieve first-hand information on mining, science and engineering solutions for safety, sustainability and success in mining, as well as, general information on the country’s natural resources and how they are being processed.

Singh said the aim of Pork Knockers’ Day is to bring awareness to the populace and to celebrate the hard work of the pork knocker.

RECOGNITION
“This is about celebrating the pork knocker who would have gone through some tremendous harsh situations when they were pioneers in the frontiers of Guyana’s mining sector… it is really in remembrance of those pioneers and a celebration of them,” the coordinator said. In addition to the large support from Lindeners, a large delegation of GGMC staff also journeyed to Linden to celebrate Pork Knockers’ Day.
Guyana Chronicle spoke to some spectators who expressed satisfaction with the day’s activities.

“I am enjoying myself, I enjoyed seeing the battle spinning and seeing how the people finding the diamond and gold, that was very exciting for me. I also like the many games and the nice music that is played, it is clean fun I am having,” Linda Jones said.
“This is the second time I am coming to Pork Knocker Day, last year I went to the play offs and this year it is bigger and better, I am having fun, despite the rain, the events are well organised and there is so much to learn about mining and pork knocking,” Halil Johnson said.

Founder of the Healthy Living Health Club Nurse Corwin Allen said this is the second year that his health club has participated in the activity and uses it as an opportunity to not only provide free testing to pork knockers and every one present, but to bring awareness to the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

Allen said diabetics testing done showed that many persons were diabetic and many were referred to the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC).
“Persons came as far as Bush Lot for Pork Knocker Day and was sent to the LHC for further management,” Allen revealed. Booths were also set up by other local companies such as Digicel and Guytrac.