MINING claims in new towns across the country were a concern for persons who got an opportunity to discuss their problems with Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman and other officials during a public day on Wednesday.

Many persons who felt that their claims would be taken away, had an opportunity to have their fears allayed after having a discourse with the minister and chairman of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Stanley Ming.

“Miners feel that their claims are being taken away, so we have to find ways to resolve those issues with other ministries,” said Minister Trotman in an invited comment.
Most of the focus will be placed on Mahdia, which was officially given township status last year.

According to Trotman, the ministry would grant extensions for payments for forestry matters; but for mining matters, persons may bring applications for land, but do not receive timely responses, so there are some issues with that.

He believes that public meetings are important, because it allows ministers to interact with persons and hear their concerns and recommendations to improve the work of the ministry.

Trotman said the ministry would usually meet with persons who are based in the hinterland, but they cannot neglect the persons in Georgetown.

Despite criticisms from members of the opposition that the public day is a gimmick, the minister said it was not the first public day and those events are usually routine practice.