MINISTER of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, recently traversed the riverine mining communities of Middle Mazaruni in Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) where he spearheaded the distribution of food hampers, cleaning supplies, engines, and other equipment to miners and residents impacted by persistent heavy rainfall.

The outreach initiative was aimed at providing immediate relief to affected communities, while also strengthening small-scale mining operations through the provision of critical equipment.

One of the first stops on the minister’s route was Tamakay Landing, where miners and residents gathered to receive food hampers and cleaning supplies. The assistance is part of the government’s continued response to communities grappling with flooding and related challenges caused by the ongoing rainy season.

Minister Bharrat was accompanied by the Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Mr. Newell Dennison; senior officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources and its agencies; Mr. Brian Tiwarie of the BK Group of Companies; Member of Parliament Mr. Alistair Charlie; and Mayor of Bartica, Mr. Anthony Murray.

Following the stop at Tamakay, the minister and his team visited Papishow and Martin Landing, also in Region Seven. Similar to other locations, the focus was on distributing essential items to miners and residents whose livelihoods have been disrupted by the flooding. The team engaged directly with affected individuals to better understand the challenges they face and to ensure their concerns are integrated into the ministry’s ongoing support strategy for the mining sector.

Continuing along the river, the next stop was Issano Landing, where relief efforts extended to residents of both Issano and Tassawene Villages. Dozens of hampers and cleaning kits were handed out to help offset the rising cost of supplies and the difficulties posed by flooding in these remote areas.

Throughout the exercise, Minister Bharrat reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing consistent support to stakeholders in the natural resources sector, particularly those working in challenging environments. In addition to emergency relief, the ministry, in collaboration with the Small Miners Association (SMA), is also working to empower small miners through the distribution of engines, solar units, and other essential items.

In the village of Karrau, Minister Bharrat officially handed over a number of these items to local miners. This intervention is expected to significantly improve operational efficiency, support increased gold production, and enhance overall economic output from the area. David Daniels of the Small Miners Association was present during the handover, alongside the minister and his team, who reiterated that the initiative was part of a wider effort to support sustainable mining practices across the hinterland.

The final leg of the day’s outreach saw the team in Batavia, where additional engines, solar units, and tools were distributed to small miners. The gesture was welcomed by residents, many of whom expressed gratitude for the government’s ongoing engagement with remote mining communities.

Like in Karrau, the equipment provided is expected to strengthen mining operations and build community resilience. The SMA, in partnership with the ministry, continues to advocate for practical solutions to everyday challenges faced by small miners. Minister Bharrat and his delegation will continue their outreach in the coming days, as part of a wider strategy to ensure equitable access to resources, technical support, and development opportunities across Guyana’s extractive sectors.