Mining, forestry issues addressed at NTC Conference

Georgetown, GINA, August 6, 2012

 Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Robert Persaud and heads of agencies within his sector such as the Guyana Lands and Surveys Commission (GLSC), Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) and the Guyana Gold Board today engaged toshaos at the Guyana International Conference Center (GICC) on the second day of the National Toshaos Council (NTC) meeting.
Minister Persaud in explaining the functions of his Ministry, which is still relatively new, said that the main intention was to bring all the agencies that deal with natural resources under one Ministry so as to have proper coordination, especially in light of the fact that the sector has been rapidly growing.

Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Robert Persaud addressing toshaos at the Guyana International Conference Center (GICC)

He explained that generally with land use, there are always competing interests and one of the primary mandates of the Natural Resources Ministry is to work to minimise and ultimately, eliminate conflicts between communities that are engaged in various land use activities such as large-scale agriculture, mining and logging. 

The Minister said this task cannot be accomplished by Government alone as the onus is on every community to ensure that whatever activity they choose to engage in, is done in an environmentally sustainable and harmonious way. 

The Amerindian Act of 2006 too, stipulates that land use activities should be managed in a coordinated way; while at the same time respecting the rights of Indigenous communities. 

During the interactive session, the issue of land extensions dominated the discussions; this was followed by a number of mining issues that were raised by toshaos. 

Karisparu Toshao, Durant Jeffery complained that the irresponsible mining practices by miners, particularly those from Brazil have resulted in much damage to their land and it is gross exploitation of their mineral resources. This has also led to contamination of their water supply, which poses a threat to their health. 

Toshao Jeffery said that he had asked for the meagre sum of $25,000 per month in royalties and other forms of assistance; however, while some miners agreed, others did not. He is calling on the relevant agencies to look into the matter and to clamp down on mining practices where the environment is not respected.    

Meanwhile, Yupukari Toshao, Rudolph Roberts lamented that some foreign companies have acquired the same piece of land that he had proposed in his application for an extension.  

However, Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai explained that years ago a timber concession was granted to A. Mazarally, who has since collaborated in a joint venture with an American company. On the other hand, the application for the extension was only made late last year. 

With regards to royalties, the 20 percent mining that is collected by the GGMC, Minister Sukhai explained that this money is subsequently transferred to the Amerindian Affairs Ministry and is then disbursed to support non-mining communities based on project proposals that they would have submitted through the NTC’s executive body. 

Mining communities on the other hand, benefit from seven or more percent in tributes paid to them. 

Campbelltown Toshao, Marbel Thomas issued a call to the GGMC to convene a session with residents of his community to bring them up-to-date with the provisions of the Mining Act and a commitment was made on the part of the Commission to ensure that this was done. 

Meanwhile, Isseneru Toshao, Lewis Larson is calling for the establishment of a gold board closer to his community as often times they have to travel all the way to Georgetown just to sell a few ounces of gold. 

Minister Persaud explained that the absence of commercial banks and the appropriate security systems are the major hindrances in establishing gold boards in certain areas. 

The Ministry has managed to convince the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industry (GBTI) to open a branch in Port Kaituma, Region One, in whose building a gold board will be established as well; while another will be established at Charity, Region Two.     

Toshaos were also given a detailed presentation of the process to be followed for the issuance of special mining permits.