Guyana’s Leader of the Opposition and APNU Leader David Granger is promising that an APNU government would ensure a more level playing field for local miners.
He made the pronouncement on Wednesday while meeting with executives of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association. The meeting was held at the Association’s North Road, Bourda office. Mr. Granger led an APNU delegation which included Members of Parliament, Dr. Rupert Roopnarine, Amna Ally and Ronald Bulkan.
The GGDMA delegation was led by its President Patrick Harding and included Mr. Terrence Adams-Secretary, Mr. Alfro Alphonso- Immediate Past President, Mr. Mahendra Persaud –Committee Member and Mr. Colin Sparman- Admin Coordinator.
According to a statement from the Office of the Opposition Leader, the executive members of the Gold and Diamond Miners Association briefed the APNU delegation on the many challenges facing the industry which included world prices for gold, the high costs of fuel, poor infrastructure, and lack of medical facilities, security and many other issues.
The statement said Granger assured the Miners association of the APNU’s continued support of the industry and the orderly development of the extractive sector; one where local miners could be assured of a level playing field.
Granger said that under an APNU administration, Bartica, Mahdia, Lethem and Mabaruma would be made municipalities. The APNU Leader added that the Partnership was aware of the needs of the Miners.
According to Mr. Granger, “APNU has an agenda for the improvement of security in the hinterland and for the development of the infrastructure (roads, airdromes, bridges etc.). We (APNU) are committed to protecting the environment and improving the health delivery system in the Barima- Waini, Cuyuni-Mazaruni, Potaro- Siparuni and Upper Takatu- Upper Essequibo Regions.” Granger said “we cannot afford to ignore any pillar of our economy…the same way rice and sugar has received government support over the years ….gold and diamond miners must receive similar levels of government support.”
Small scale miners across the country have been complaining about the lack of enough support from the government especially now that they are faced with falling gold prices. While the gold mining sector has been leading the way over the past few years in productivity, 2014 saw a sharp decrease in gold production and declarations.
Filed: 8th January, 2015
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