GGMC pulls plug on extension for payments

…now demanding overdue claim fees by next week
The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has resumed collecting fees for renewal of mining small and medium scale claims, bringing an end to the extension it had given miners for payments that were due since March 31, 2020.

This was communicated in a notice from GGMC’s acting Commissioner, Newell Dennison. Notwithstanding the fact that Guyana is now in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic, GGMC has set next week Friday as the new deadline for payments.
“Notice is hereby given for general information that, due to unexpected and continuing challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a final opportunity on renewal of claims, which was due March 31st, 2020.
“Payments will now be permitted, and must be done on or before June 5, 2020. Please make contact with the Commission’s Mines Administrative Department for further information,” the notice also said.
With Guyana having confirmed 139 cases of COVID-19 as at May 27, 2020, the country is currently under emergency orders that were declared by the Government, putting restrictions on all but the most essential of services.
Mining is one of those essential services.
In recent times, however, the Guyana Human Rights Association (GHRA) has called for the removal of mining from the list of essential services. The body has cited the threat of COVID-19 transmission posed by neighbouring Brazil, by far the worst hit country on the continent.
“The vulnerability of indigenous communities to the COVID-19 virus cannot be overstated. But should the virus really take hold in the Rupununi, it will then definitely spread to the entire country. The call from the Chairman of Region 9 for a complete lockdown of Lethem from coastal contact reflects the only realistic strategy,” the GHRA had said in its statement.
“The controversial issue of mining being declared an ‘essential service’ is at the centre of this problem. Many ordinary Guyanese are struggling to provide for their families while abiding by the lockdown, while miners driving 500 miles through Amerindian communities, putting many people at serious risk ‘en route’ to what is considered an essential activity.  This kind of contradiction discredits the official anti-COVID-19 strategy, fosters indignation, and needs to be addressed urgently.”
Since spreading around the world, coronavirus has had a debilitating effect on the global economy and the way of life of millions. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) had recently released an assessment in which it ranked Guyana among the few countries in the region least prepared to deal with the effects of the Coronavirus epidemic, particularly the negative effects it would have on the economy and tourism.
In the assessment, the IMF rated countries in the Americas from red (least prepared) to green (most prepared). Countries like the United States and Canada were in the green zone. However, Guyana, Guatemala, Belize and Honduras were not so lucky.
Neighbouring Brazil was considered more prepared than average, while countries like Colombia were rated as less prepared. According to the IMF, the virus is likely to have immediate economic impacts in the region, including financial restrictions, declining commodity prices, and reduced tourism.