Need for improved governance of mining sector seen

Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud (centre) flanked by UNDP Deputy Resident Representative, Chisa Mikami (left) and representative from the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association, William Woolford. (GINA photo)

The need for improved governance of the mineral sector and a revised mining code were some of the issues raised yesterday at a forum on foreign direct investment in the extractive sector and its impact on the environment.

Consultants Masuma Farooki and Sohinee Mazumdar presented the preliminary conclusions and recommendations of their study at the Herdmanston Lodge. In their presentation, they addressed Foreign Direct Investment and its links to technology, deforestation, damage to the environment and employment opportunities and they repeatedly stressed that the responsibility for management should not be left solely on the shoulders of the government.

The study is a United Nations Development Pro-gramme (UNDP)/Govern-ment of Guyana initiative. The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment provided technical support.

Minister of Natural Resources and the Environ-ment, Robert Persaud, while noting that the study is a timely one,