Dear Editor,
The Ministry of Natural Resources is aware of a letter to the Editor dated September 10th by Mr. Robin Singh regarding the President’s recent meeting with Miners United Movement (MUM). The Ministry has identified some of Mr. Singh’s concerns and wishes to make clarifications on the nature of the meeting and some of the sector related issues raised.
In the aim of fostering greater interaction with the sector’s stakeholders, His Excellency President David Granger hosted the interactive business luncheon to further hear and discuss sector related issues with the stakeholders. Just as any other engagement involving the President and natural resources stakeholders, a brief was prepared and submitted to His Excellency, outlining the existing areas to be discussed during the interaction. This brief benefited from consultations by members of the mining community.
During the interaction, the President reiterated the Government’s commitment to supporting the sustainable and responsible development of the sector. In this, he highlighted the significant contributions of mining and some of the cons involved, and the aim to have a symbiotic relationship between mining and environmental protection and preservation. Delving into interaction, President Granger encouraged the miners to speak on issues affecting them and to make recommendations to be further considered by Government.
During the discussions, the well-known issues of taxation, infrastructure, and mercury use and alternatives were raised. His Excellency’s responses noted the gravity of the concerns and went on to highlight and explain Government’s ongoing challenges and efforts to comprehensively address each.
Regarding taxation and concessions, the President noted the Government’s dependence on revenues along with ongoing efforts to review the aspect of Government policy to the extent of getting revenues from other sources. He further said that he would encourage the Finance Minister to examine fair ways and means of looking at concessions and their allocation.
Also, he highlighted the efforts to develop infrastructure and its importance, along with the need for improved security and the continuous efforts of the Ministry of Natural Resources to address this through the Corps of Wardens.
Finally, regarding mercury reduction and assistance, His Excellency, called for collaborative efforts in providing techniques and resources to assist in mercury reduction. He also took time to welcome any recommendations from the mining sector regarding a Decade of Development from 2020-2029 document which is being worked on.
The Ministry and by extension Government has always seriously considered the concerns of miners and through its policies, enforcement and other strategies, strives to address each. The Minister of Natural Resources Hon. Raphael G.C Trotman has the responsibility to the stakeholders of the sectors and has continued to engage with them, hearing of issues, recommendations and identifying possible solutions. The sector remains vital to Guyana’s development and all avenues for its success while ensuring sustainability will continue to be explored.
Yours faithfully,
Stephon Gabriel
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Natural Resources
