MINING related issues ranging from illegal mining to cease work orders and joint partnerships were among areas covered when the National Toshaos’ Council (NTC) Executives and the Amerindian Peoples Association (APA) met with the Natural Resources Ministry and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).

Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman, NTC Chairman Nicholas Fredericks, GGMC Commissioner Newell Dennison and APA Executive Director, Jean LaRose were among the key officials that sat down on Wednesday to discuss issues of mutual interest.
The 2017 ruling by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in the Wayne Vieira vs GGMC case that involved land situated in the Tassawini area of the Northwest Mining District was among issues raised by the NTC.

The CCJ had ruled that GGMC had no authority to order Vieira in November 2010 to cease all work at his Chinese Landing operation in spite of having a mining permit to do so.
While providing the NTC delegation with copies of the CCJ ruling, Minister Trotman noted that while the decision of the CCJ must be respected, it does not negate the enforceability of the Amerindian Act.

The NTC delegation also questioned the issuance of Cease Work Orders by the GGMC and promised to provide Minister Trotman with a list of questions pertaining to Cease Work Orders, the involvement of foreign partners in mining companies and other matters for which they would like documented responses. They also raised the issue of Human Trafficking.

Both parties reiterated their commitment to the finalisation of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Natural Resources and the NTC that would address good governance, protection, conservation and sustainable management of indigenous community lands and natural resources and communications between the Ministry and the NTC.

Minister Trotman also used the opportunity to congratulate the new executive members of the NTC and renewed his commitment for a closer working relationship between the Ministry and the NTC. He underscored the importance of having open and frank discussions.

The next meeting is set for August 15, 2018.