President Dr Irfaan Ali has announced a sweeping package of support measures for small miners, framing the Government’s approach as a structured partnership aimed at ensuring long-term prosperity for miners while strengthening Guyana’s economy.

The President made the commitment while addressing miners in the Paruni area on Friday, stressing that government support will go hand-in-hand with full compliance with the country’s mining laws and regulations.

“We want you to be successful. We want all of you to be successful, but we want you to be successful and at the same time, contribute to the development of our country,” President Ali said.

He emphasised that adherence to regulations is non-negotiable, particularly in relation to the legal sale and declaration of gold.

“The only fair thing where we invest in you is for you to follow the laws and to ensure that your operations are all in keeping with the regulations and to ensure that you sell the gold to the rightful places, the Guyana Gold Board (GGB),” the President stated.

President Ali repeatedly underscored the importance of selling gold through legal channels and making accurate declarations, noting that this would directly determine miners’ ability to access formal financial services.

He explained that official declaration slips are critical for miners seeking to engage the banking system, expand their operations, and secure loans.

“When you need to go to the bank, those declaration slips will help you to get a loan to grow larger and larger you want to get a loan to build your homes, those declaration slips are important,” the President said.

As part of the support package, President Ali announced that government teams will be deployed to mining areas within the next three to four weeks to assist both Guyanese and foreign workers in regularising their status.

He also disclosed that the Government has already engaged commercial banks, which will be taken directly into mining communities to facilitate the opening of bank accounts on site.

“We want to help you so that you can have your bank account, you can save your money, you can own your home, we want to help you in this process,” he said.

The President said the measures form part of a broader strategy to formalise the mining sector, improve financial inclusion, and ensure that small miners are better positioned to grow sustainably within Guyana’s evolving economy.