THE Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), within the last two months, has provided over $10M worth in donations and other relief effort to various communities and organisations. The GGDMA relief effort began on March 31, 2020 with the establishment of a GGDMA COVID-19 Relief Account at Demerara Bank Ltd.

In Bartica, Region Seven, GGDMA distributed N95 masks, hand sanitizers, medical gloves and educational posters. Similar items were distributed in Mahdia and Campbelltown, Region Eight in addition to cloth masks, medical gowns, medical scrubs, laundry soap and all-purpose cleaners.

The hospital and police station in Port Kaituma, Region One were given hand held infra-red thermometer, bleach, hand sanitizer, N95 masks, rubbing alcohol, medical gloves, laundry soap, water dispenser, electrical fans, cloth masks, Dettol Soap, disinfectant and educational Posters.

Similar donations were made to the village of Moruca, inclusive of 250 food hampers; the Matthews Ridge Hospital and Police Station in Region On; Aranka and Isseneru Village in Region Seven and Suddie Hospital in Region Two.

“GGDMA as part of its COVID-19 relief efforts donated over 800 food hampers to the Natural Resources Staffers. This donation was given as a demonstration of the association gratitude to the Natural Resources Staffers and all other related agencies such as the GGMC and the GGB, especially their field staffers who have been working away from their families over the COVID 19 pandemic,” the mining association said in a statement on Sunday.

Dharm Shala, the Palms Geriatric Home and the Amerindian Hostel were also among the beneficiaries.

In the statement, GGDMA expressed gratitude to the 25 individuals and companies that contributed thus far to its COVID 19 Relief Fund. It also used the opportunity to encourage other miners and companies to contribute by donating to the GGDMA COVID-19 Relief Fund via the chequing account at Demerara Bank AC# 4023412. Donations such as food hampers and other tangible donations can be dropped off at the Association’s headquarters.

It noted that miners have taken strong preventative measures to ensure the safety and health of workers and the communities in which they work. GGDMA is also currently working closely with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) to develop protocol and guidelines for mining operations and miners to follow during the COVID-19 pandemic.