Guyana Government Saddened At The Death Of Miners; Authorities Launch Probe

GEORGETOWN, Guyana CMC – Guyana authorities were investigating the circumstances that led to the death of four Brazilian nationals after a mining pit collapsed at Arau Village over the weekend.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister, Robert Persaud, said he was sad at the event and that the loss of lives in any situation is always regrettable.

Acting Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Rickford Vieira, said that two senior officials including an engineer were investigating the incident.

But initial reports indicate that the four miners, who arrived here from Venezuela, were not in possession of a valid work permit.

A government statement said that the miners had been intercepted by GGMC officers and ordered to cease their operations three weeks ago.

Persaud said that since the mining operation was being done on privately owned Amerindian lands in the village, the GGMC had no direct responsibility in terms of dictating the types of operation, nor was it in a position to grant permission to mine. He said such authority lies solely with the Village Council as provided for under the Amerindian Act.

“We are always hopeful, that village councils, when granting permission would ensure that persons operate in a safe environment and not undertake activities or use techniques that can jeopardize life, limb and property,” Persaud said, emphasising also that foreigners needed to enter the country through the proper ports of entry and have the proper work permits.

Persaud said that the Home Affairs Ministry is being urged to expedite the processing of applications for such permits.

He said at the last National Toshaos Council meeting, a proposal was made by the Ministry to have special mining permits for titled Amerindian lands. This mechanism is not to dictate to the community how mining should be done but rather to ensure that their resources are better managed.

“We cannot impose this special mining permit…we are very hopeful that this proposal will win some form of support with the various stakeholders,” Persaud said.