TRAGEDY has visited the mining sector once again. It’s not a mining pit cave-in or death by shooting or stabbing during an argument. This time, it was cold-blooded murder committed by greedy selfish robbers, who were willing to use force to get what they wanted.

The untimely deaths of gold miner Zaheer Mohammed Sheriff and his worker Donovan Washington, have not only rattled the mining sector but also their home town, Bartica. It has also placed security in the country’s mining districts on the front burner once again.

Crime in the interior is nothing new. The rugged terrain, isolated camps and limited police presence make members of the mining community easy targets. Many employ private security personnel and miners are equipped with licensed firearms. However, it is clear that such measures are not stopping the bandits.

The double murder and robbery at Arimu Backdam, Region Seven, is the first of its kind for the year. It is also the first to have occurred since Ricky Ambrose was shot dead in December 2022 and relieved of his gold, cash and licensed firearm. Although he was not a miner, he worked closely with the mining community as a Sworn Land Surveyor and Ranger. That tragic incident also occurred at Arimu Backdam.

Within hours of their demise on Sunday, mining associations publically voiced their concerns and issued calls for immediate action. One such body was the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association [GGDMA] which rightfully urged all miners to take full security precautions and called on the Guyana Police Force to take the necessary actions to ensure miners can conduct their business in a safe environment.

Sheriff, who owns a six-inch land dredge, and his employee were making their way to Bartica with $37 million in raw gold when they were attacked by two mask gunmen. According to the police reports, the attack occurred within five minutes of leaving their camp.

The men’s lifeless bodies were found a short while later and Sheriff’s firearms and gold were missing.
The attack appeared well timed and executed with precision. The bandits clearly knew that there had been a “big” wash down and when the men were leaving the camp. The question that has to be answered is: Who leaked the information to the bandits?

Reacting to a new round of unease, fear and concerns, President Dr. Irfaan Ali engaged miners when he went to Bartica for Sheriff’s funeral.
He listened attentively. He was sympathetic. He understood the fear this latest incident has stirred up in the mining community.

In response to a suggestion that there is need for police patrols to help beef up security in mining districts, President Ali emphasised the need for networking among miners.
“All you miners that are mining in a locality, when you go into the area, you have to build a network among yourself so that you can support each other,” is what he said in part to the miners.

At his behest, Police Commissioner (ag) Clifton Hicken and miners will meet as part of efforts to enhance collaboration and make the interior safe.

There is a reasonable expectation that this subject will be part of discussions at the ongoing Annual Police Officers’ Conference. Hopefully, new ideas will be hatched and in the not-too-distant future, fear will be at the back of the minds of every member of the mining community.