-calls for urgent, large-scale measures to stimulate economy

MINERS have been listed among the high-risk population for the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), and although mining was listed as an essential service and operations are ongoing in the sector, the National Mining Syndicate Inc. has said that none of its over 1,000 members has contracted the disease to date.

Some 153 persons have contracted the disease locally, but the mining syndicate has said its members are not among those cases.

“Our Company (which represents over 1000 miners), thus far, has had no known cases of COVID-19 among our mineworkers in their respective districts. Therefore, as a result, our miners are not currently at a very high risk, given the fact that they seldom leave those districts,” said the syndicate in a press statement, on Saturday.

Instead of leaving the mining districts, miners have adjusted themselves to rely on goods and services, which are readily available and provided in nearby locations. Even as they leave their mining districts to procure goods and services in other regions or towns such as Bartica, Charity, Linden or Georgetown, miners are trying their best to adhere to the safeguards put in place by the Ministry of Public Health, while also observing recommendations and guidelines by World Health Organisation (WHO) and International Labour Organisation (ILO).

“The National Mining Syndicate Inc., through our extensive membership, will continue to monitor the effects or presence of COVID-19 in the mining districts, while ensuring that our members are sensitised and continue to operate in a safe and responsible manner at all times.

“Many of our dredge operators have extended their mining camps and implemented shift systems, in an effort to impose social distancing, while managing to successfully retain their employees who are now supporting several households as a result of the current pandemic,” said the syndicate.

The company assured the nation that it will continue to operate amidst the current pandemic, and has taken a position to encourage and ensure that miners prioritise safety by adopting the recommended measures and guidelines that have been charted by the MOPH and WHO.

It was reported, recently, that the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has joined forces with stakeholders in the local mining sector, to make the industry more resilient against the direct effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

President of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), Andron Alphonso, had said that the association is working closely with PAHO to establish “long-term” guidelines, which are industry-specific.

“These guidelines are being established with the aim of protecting staff and helping to protect against the potential spread of the virus as a consequence of us (miners) traversing through communities and operating near vulnerable communities,” said Alphonso.

Health authorities have time and again warned “mining regions” to be extra cautious because of the “heavy traffic” in and out of communities within those regions. The traffic in those communities remain high because the gold and diamond mining sector remains “essential” and is fully operational.

The mining industry, however, continues to face numerous challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

CHALLENGES
“Apart from our many challenges, in 2020, the industry has been confronted by a new challenge in the form of the coronavirus pandemic, which has seen industries such as tourism, entertainment, travel, and hospitality close its doors leaving a devastating trail of unemployment and new socio-economic problems for many families and communities across the length and breadth of Guyana,” said the national mining syndicate.
The economic and labour crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly increased local unemployment and underemployment drastically.

Only services classified as “essential” by the incumbent Government of Guyana are less impacted during this crisis. So, understandably, mining as an “essential service” has been impacted far less than other industries that help to sustain and keep the Guyanese economy strong.

Mining contributes directly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country and is helping to sustain the local economy during this crucial time, since revenues would have dwindled significantly due to the fact that many businesses are now closed or operating partially.

The syndicate said that, considering the local and global situation, there is a need for urgent, large-scale, and coordinated measures across various pillars, including stimulating the economy, protecting workers in the workplace, safeguarding communities within the mining districts, and supporting employment and incomes.

“Notably, we acknowledge and respect the concerns of the various groups and organisations that are lobbying for the sector to be closed.

However, with regards to the containment and the economic challenges we are facing due to the lockdown measures in place, and the distinction of essential and non-essential services, many of our citizens (and members) who reside within the mining districts themselves are now faced with a new reality of challenges that are threatening their very survival,” said the syndicate.

The relief efforts of the National COVID-19 Task Force and by extension the Civil Defence Commission (CDC) are, to date, not able to effectively reach all vulnerable communities because of inaccessibility due to the terrain, and the topography of some areas where many reside.

Consequently, mining has provided a much-needed safety net at this point since the industry continues to commendably retain and provide employment to those who are now directly supporting many households and numerous communities that are out of reach for the relief teams.

The syndicate acknowledged and applaud the efforts and commitment of its sister organisations GGDMA and the Guyana Women Miners Organisation; and all stakeholders and humanitarian groups which have provided relief supplies and aid to those communities that are far-flung, while working diligently with us to ensure that miners are functioning in a safe and responsible manner as they protect themselves and the communities where they work.