The Opposition, A Partnership for National Unity, (APNU), today raised concerns over what it says is a planned visit to the South Rupununi by Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat to seek approval from the Toshaos from the District for a lease to allow more gold mining in the Marudi Mountain area.

Earlier this week, APNU sounded an alarm and stated that the Government was soliciting support from village leaders, even as members of the communities remain against mining at the Marudi mountain.

During a press conference this morning, APNU Member of Parliament, Ganesh Mahipaul, said there is growing unease that Toshaos may be pressured or coerced into supporting a deal that does not reflect the will or best interests of their communities.  He said any attempt to impose or advance such an agreement without genuine consultation and consent would be unacceptable.

Further, he said small miners also stand to be affected should the government go ahead with the move.

“The small miners are complaining bitterly that they are being left behind and that they are not being catered for and the Ministry of Natural Resources seemed not to be interested in addressing their plight as they struggle to make ends meet,” Mahipaul said.

Mahipaul said the people of the South Rupununi must be respected, and added that their right to protect their livelihoods, their lands, and their future is being ignored, while the government goes after profit.

“We are calling on Minister Vickram Bharrat to be more lenient and cautious in his operation and consider the small miners of Guyana because they too must live and they too have a right to build their businesses and operations and build themselves,” Mahipaul stated

APNU’s position is that any engagement with the South Rupununi District Council must be conducted transparently, respectfully, and without undue influence.

Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, today also raised similar concerns, alleging that the Government’s move is to open more mining lands to gift persons who may be close to the administration.

Mr. Mohamed said the Government must immediately halt any leasing of land in the Murudi.

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