APNU has plan of action for gold industry development

APNU has plan of action for gold industry development

Considered as the country’s largest foreign currency earner for seven years with a record breaking production in 2013, the gold and diamond mining industry in Guyana is now facing significant challenges following the sharp drop in the world price for gold in 2014.

That drop has resulted in a fall in production, declarations and earnings and a rise in operational costs, causing the closure of several operations and the loss of hundreds of jobs.

This was according to Leader of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Brigadier David who at his weekly press conference on Friday, proposed a commitment to a “plan of action to support the gold and diamond mining industry.”

According to the party leader, the APNU is convinced that the national economy could be significantly enhanced and the livelihood of hinterland residents and miners could be enriched by a more comprehensive and collaborative approach to the industry.

Hinting their awareness of the engagements between the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment (MNRE) and the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), APNU’s “strategic plan of action” is geared to sustain employment, investment and development.

To this extent, issues such as hinterland infrastructure, hinterland security, hinterland municipal administration, indigenous land rights, public services and royalties, rental rates and equipment are areas which his party would examine in an attempt to combat the challenges being experienced by the industry.

For years, the Opposition leader contended, the gold and diamond industry has been neglected, leading to “jobless growth” and gross inequality”.

Echoing his sentiments was Executive Member of APNU and Shadow Minister of Local Government, Ronald Bulkan who revealed that the gold industry which amounted to some 43% of total exports in 2013, is now undergoing “difficult times”.

The Shadow Minister also proposed a collaborative effort which he sees as vital to address these difficulties. Single-handedly he noted, the ruling People’s Progressive Party cannot address the issues, hence the need for a collaborative effort. “The Go-it alone approach the PPP has brought does not have the answer to progress in Guyana” Bulkan said.

Adding to the discussion was also Vice-Chairman of APNU, Dr. Rupert Roopnarine who highlighted that Guyana’s failure to sign on to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) has also been a contributing factor to the current deterioration of the industry.

The failure of the current administration to sign on to the EITI has resulted in discrimination, more particularly with regards to duty free concessions, Dr Roopnarine revealed.

As such, APNU’s proposed Plan of action will aim to bring on board, several government ministries, including Amerindian Affairs; Health; Home Affairs; Labour and Human Services; Local Government and Regional Development; Natural Resources and the Environment and Public Works as well as significant stakeholders such as GGDMA, in an attempt to revive and boost the industry.

Filed: 10th January, 2015

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