NATURAL Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman and team, on Thursday, visited Karisparu Village in the Potaro-Siparuni, Region Eight to meet with Lucille Williams, 87, also known as ‘Mami’.

The team comprised members of the GGMC Mines Division and the Ministries of Natural Resources (MNR) and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs (MoIPA).

Williams and family had complained about unfair treatment at the hands of a miner and apart from wide publicity given to the complaint, the matter was raised by Toshao, Edward McGarrell of Chenapau, at the recent National Toshaos Conference held on October 8-11.
During Minister Trotman’s engagements at the conference, he undertook to visit the community and to meet with Williams. On location, the team met with Williams and family and benefitted from the translation services provided by Ovid Williams of MoIPA.

Minister Trotman explained that he had come to get a firsthand view of the situation and explained that it was President David Granger’s personal wish that every citizen be treated with respect and dignity, and the government wanted to ensure that Williams’ issues are addressed.

To this end, Minister Trotman and the team handed over $150,000 worth of groceries and other essential items and committed to fulfilling the requests by the family for a chain saw, zinc sheets and other essential building materials to facilitate the construction of a house for Williams.

Further, Minister Trotman gave an undertaking that mining would not be allowed to interfere with Lucille Williams’ peaceful enjoyment and occupation of her homestead and farm. The items are expected to be delivered before November 30, 2019. Williams and members of her family thanked Minister Trotman and the government for the comprehensive and satisfactory response to their situation.

The Natural Resources Ministry thanked the National Toshaos Council, the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, the GGMC and Toshao, Edward McGarrell for their efforts in making the visit possible.