The Natural Resources Ministry has said the permission given to persons to establish shops in some areas of Region One should not have been granted by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), which has since ordered them to demolish the business structures and vacate areas in Big Creek, Masawini and Arakaka.
In a statement in the wake of complaints made by several business owners in the Region One mining district, the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment said after examining the documents brought by the Region One business owners, they have determined that the permits “should not have been issued in the first instance, since the establishment of shops can only be done in areas gazetted as designated Landings as stipulated in the mining regulations.”
The Ministry noted that the recent steps to intensify compliance, monitoring and enforcement activities in all mining districts was prompted after stakeholders in the mining industry, including the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) and Amerindian groups, voiced their displeasure on a range of issues.
It added that stakeholders have reported that the “proliferation of illegal shops and unorganized dwellings which are being used as a nesting ground for crime and illegal activities.” As a result, the Ministry had instructed the GGMC “execute its statutory mandate to ensure compliance” with the mining laws and regulations.”
Main opposition APNU MP Richard Allen on Monday arrived in the capital city with a group of miners and shop owners from Big Creek, Masawini and Arakaka. He said that they made the trip to meet with GGMC officials, including its Commissioner Rickford Vieira and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources Joslyn McKenzie, after they had received letters from the ministry ordering them to cease their operations, demolish their structures, and vacate the lands within 72 hours.
He said that at Monday’s meeting, they were informed that the files of persons who claim to have been given permits to occupy lands and start businesses would have to be examined.
This was supposed to have been completed by Monday afternoon. Allen said they were also told at meeting that a mistake was most likely made, since the land given to persons in Big Creek, Masawini and Arakaka should not have been distributed.
When contacted yesterday, Vieira stated that investigations into the matter were continuing and results would be made available after its completion.
Allen said on Monday that the move by the GGMC was unprecedented and unacceptable, especially since many of the persons present have been in possession of documents granting them permission to operate their business in the areas for years, some as far back as 2005.
Several of the persons who travelled from Region One produced receipts confirming payments made to the GGMC as recent as last month. In addition to this, several of the persons also produced documents signed and stamped by the GGMC, authorising the holders to occupy the lands they were one, and carry out their individual business ventures.
Junior Kendall was among them. He stated that he moved to Big Creek with his wife since 2007 and he was granted it by the GGMC to trade in precious minerals. Kendall said that he has since constructed a permanent structure on his land for his home and business operations, which he has now been ordered to dismantle and vacate in 72 hours.
