Photo IDs from April for mining districts
-part of tighter security
Stabroek News
January 29, 2004
Come April, persons who wish to obtain mining privileges will be required to submit photo IDs when conducting business in the interior, a release from the Government Information Agency (GINA) said yesterday.
The system will also be a part of the latest efforts by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to improve security in mining districts.
Only recently, Edward Shields of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Asso-ciation urged a re-think of the current security operation in light of what the body said was harassment of its members at established checkpoints in interior locations.
Last year, armed attacks in mining districts which left several miners dead prompted a joint checkpoint approach by the GGMC and the Guyana Police Force.
Even with these initiatives criminals continue to target miners with the latest attacks involving a vehicle belonging to JJM Mining Company on January 14. That attack had followed a shooting incident on the Linden/Soesdyke Highway a few days before when two Brazilian miners were shot and wounded.
During an interview with GINA, Commissioner of the GGMC, Robeson Benn said the security improvements introduced last year now have to be maintained and improved in quality. He pointed to incidents such as drug trafficking, gun-smuggling and armed assaults against persons which continue to occur in mining districts.
Benn stated, according to GINA, that the GGMC was very concerned that it may have to increase the overall level of security and interfacing between the GGMC and the Guyana Police Force.
He stressed that in order for deviant activity to be effectively addressed the security approach will have to be long-term to bring stability to the situation.
Benn said that he anticipated full cooperation from operators when the new security requirement is introduced.
He noted that discussions are underway as to the specification of the new identification form that will accompany the ID process.
GINA stated that other issues, including environmental and monitoring practices are also slated for introduction in mining districts by the end of the quarter.
Additionally, the GGMC is also examining the prospect of setting up mining affairs committees to work with stakeholders at the district level. These committees are intended to bring resolution to on-the-ground conflict and setbacks before matters are taken to the GGMC.
In terms of regularising national and non-national miners, Benn said non-nationals will also be required to have the photo IDs.
In addition, this year GGMC plans to increase its efforts to ensure that 50 percent of Guyanese nationals are employed at mine concessions operated by foreigners as a means of stimulating job creation for Guyanese.
The commissioner also noted that mineral declaration continues to be a source of concern for the mining sector. He told GINA that field surveillance will be improved by the GGMC, noting that no mineral produced belongs to anyone unless royalty was paid.
Benn acknowledged that there have been complaints about miners being harassed by GGMC's officers, but stated that their role was to ensure that the state and property owners were paid for the minerals produced.
Recently, a large quantity of raw gold was discovered unaccompanied at the Ogle Aerodrome.