Dr. Jagdeo assures that critical issues in mining industry will be addressed systematically

During a meeting on Tuesday with stakeholders in the mining industry, Vice President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo committed to having several burning issues addressed in a systemic and expeditious manner.

Dr. Jagdeo while speaking to the gathering at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, recommended that a robust engagement be conducted to highlight all the matters that deal with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). The VP disclosed that from this engagement, a report should be prepared and submitted for him to take to the Cabinet to ensure that issues raised are definitively resolved.

The Vice President stressed that these issues have been festering for a long time and urged the GGMC to focus primarily on the “efficient discharge of duty in a fair, impartial manner and safeguard against capricious and corrupt actions.” He suggested, “You need to get a group of people together to work with the agency under the minister to come up with that, we do not want only complaints, because sometimes we are overloaded with grievances of a petty nature, I’m hoping that we can address the systemic issues.” 

The VP revealed that dealing with the systemic issues would deliver the results that are necessary to move the sector forward. “I want to see a report as to what we can do institutionally, what we need to reform, if it’s just institutional changes, structural changes, personnel changes and how we constantly keep monitoring the people that we deploy to discharge the agency’s responsibilities that they do so in an uncorrupt way or in a fair way,” he declared.

The former president noted that collaboratively, the mining community and government, through the responsible agencies, have to develop mechanisms that would safeguard those persons who are holders of mining permits, while at the same times ensuring that small miners are provided with equal opportunities to enable their growth in the industry.

“Sometimes in addressing issues of big miners, I think they feel that is state is not paying attention to their concerns and that they are treated unfairly … and I expect that the GGDMA and the large miners would work with us in ensuring that happens,” the explained.

Dr. Jagdeo pointed out that another meeting is imminent, as discussions must be held to decide on how roads are constructed in the future within mining areas. VP Jagdeo expressed optimism that the current road projects which are worth over $2B are executed in a timely manner.