…will address issues such as mining and reclamation

AT a joint meeting of the Board of Directors of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the Guyana Gold Board and the Guyana Forestry Commission, it was agreed that a joint committee will be established to address issues in forestry and mining, including land reclamation.

The meeting took place on Thursday August 22, 2019 and was facilitated by the Ministry of Natural Resources.

A statement from the MNR said that Minister of Natural Resources, Raphael Trotman; Chairwoman of the GFC board, Ms. Jocelyn Dow; Chairman of the GGMC board Mr. Stanley Ming; Chairman of the GGB Mr. GHK Lall, and senior representatives of the ministry and the respective boards were present at the meeting.

Calling the meeting “historic” during his opening remarks, Minister Trotman said it was an opportunity for greater collaboration and cooperation between the agencies and sectors.

“The minister, who was the facilitator, earmarked five areas for discussion; The Forest Restoration Programme (FRP), rehabilitation and maintenance of hinterland roads, use of available technology for enhanced resource management, data sharing, and monitoring and enforcement operations,” the release said.

In addition, the meeting agreed to have the forestry and mining sectors share responsibilities “and work together to promote sustainable development.” According to the release, the joint committee will further the objectives regarding land reclamation and forest restoration, and road maintenance.

GFC Chair Jocelyn Dow highlighted that the various agencies possess common and differentiated responsibilities to the development of the natural resources sector and as such “must ensure that synergies can be found to ensure development that is fair and sustainable.”

The release said that at the close of the meeting, the GGMC, through Commissioner Newell Dennison, committed to continuing to contribute its efforts towards reclamation in particular and expressed a willingness to work towards moving from reclamation to full restoration. Mr. Dennison also updated those present on the ongoing and planned hinterland road projects that were being done along with the Ministry of Public Infrastructure.

Minister Trotman held a press briefing immediately following the meeting during which he updated the media on the outcome of the meeting. He also spoke on the successful work of the GFC, GGB, and the GGMC referencing the mid-year report, and also spoke of some of the projects that the Ministry has undertaken.

These include the Green Spaces Initiative, the Youth in Natural Resources Apprenticeship Programme, the work on mercury reduction in accordance with the Minamata Convention, the farming and sports donations initiative, back to school drive and ministerial outreaches.