TEN residents of Baramita, Region One, have successfully completed a Community Mines Ranger Training Programme conducted by the Guyana Mining School, fulfilling a commitment made by Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, during the 2025 National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference.

The training is part of the government’s broader efforts to promote safer, more sustainable mining practices in hinterland communities, particularly those with strong cultural and economic ties to the mining sector. Baramita, a community steeped in mining heritage, stands to benefit significantly from this initiative.

The Mines Ranger Training focused on practical and regulatory skills essential for effective mining oversight and community empowerment.
Participants were taught how to read and navigate maps, comply with occupational safety and health (OSH) standards, and understand and apply key mining regulations. The programme also placed strong emphasis on the

roles and responsibilities of Community Mines Rangers, ensuring that the newly trained rangers are prepared to enforce standards and contribute positively to local mining operations.
Minister Bharrat had previously outlined the government’s goal of improving mining governance and environmental stewardship at the community level, especially in Indigenous and remote areas. The initiative aligns with Guyana’s commitment to fostering responsible natural resource management while creating livelihood opportunities for residents.

The Guyana Mining School has been instrumental in expanding access to technical education and field training, with programmes designed to uplift local capacity in mining-intensive regions. The school’s collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources has seen similar training sessions rolled out in other hinterland communities, aiming to strengthen local oversight of mining operations and reduce unsafe practices.

This most recent training in Baramita not only supports the government’s national development priorities but also reinforces its promise to include Indigenous communities in the country’s resource-based economic transformation. By equipping residents with critical skills and regulatory knowledge, the initiative is paving the way for more resilient, self-regulating mining communities across Guyana.