Georgetown : Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Robert Persaud expressed sadness at the death of the four Brazil nationals who perished in a mining pit which collapsed at Arau Village, Region Seven.
During a press briefing at his Brickdam Office, the Minister stated that loss of lives in any situation or in any part of the country is always regrettable.
Giving a status update on the situation, Acting Commissioner, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Rickford Vieira disclosed that a senior engineer and an occupational health and safety officer have since been dispatched to the area to investigate the incident.
Based on the GGMC’s information, the now deceased miners, who came through Venezuela and checked in at Eteringbang were not in possession of a valid work permit. In fact, they were intercepted by officers from the GGMC and ordered to cease their operations some three weeks ago; however, they subsequently returned.
Minister Persaud explained that since the mining operation is being done on privately owned Amerindian lands in the village, the GGMC has no direct responsibility in terms of dictating the types of operation and/or determining who gets permission to mine. 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,” the Minister stated. He also emphasised the need for people to have good legal status on entering the country as well as necessary permits.
In this regard, the Natural Resources Ministry has developed close working relations with the Home Affairs Ministry to expedite the processing of applications for such permits. This arrangement according to the Minister, has been working well and as such there is no excuse for persons not having such documents.
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,” Minister Persaud said.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Labour will also be sending in a team to assist in the investigations.
Minister of Labour, Dr. Nanda Gopaul has tabled in the National Assembly, new safety regulations for the mining sector. Minister Persaud expressed the hope that it will receive the support of the members of the Parliament, when it reconvenes next month.
