GGDMA calls on miners to practise safety following death of businessman

In light of the tragic death of 64-year-old miner and dredge owner Donald Gouveia also called “Danny”, the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) is appealing to all miners to recognise the fundamental importance of implementing good safety practices.

In a missive to the media on Monday, the association stated that “We recognise that the mining sector is a high risk, hazardous industry, and thus urge our miners to follow good occupational health and safety practices.”
Further, it stated that the association, over the years, has always appealed to members and the general mining community to adhere to and implement good safety practices.
“The role of proper and sound planning in ensuring better productivity and safety should be well recognised. Based on the results of various Commissions of Enquiry into mining incidents, we believe that many of the incidents that resulted in fatalities could have been avoided with better planning,” the release added.
The GGDMA also urged for the adaptation of practices and technology that not only increase productivity but also the safety and health of workers.
“The GGDMA once again emphasises that miners must pay particular attention to operating standards and safety procedures in all phases of mining. We call upon our members and miners to take all necessary precautions to ensure safety standards are followed.”

However, the association related that it is committed to working with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Ministry of Labour and the miners to reduce accidents in the mining sector.
Meanwhile, it expressed profound condolences to the family of Gouveia.
The businessman was killed on June 13, 2022, after a mining pit collapsed at Micobie Backdam in Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni).
Police stated that on the day in question at about 12:00h, Gouveia and three workers were working in the mining pit which is about 70ft deep. Whilst doing so, the western wall of the pit reportedly collapsed and, in the process, completely covered Gouveia while the three others were partially covered.
His co-workers Keith James, Frencivaldo Santos, and Junior Daniels were assisted out of the collapsed pit by other workers who were alerted of the incident.
However, after some time, Gouveia was pulled from under the debris in an unconscious state. An injury was observed above his left eye.
He was rushed to the Micobie Health Centre where he was treated and immediately referred to the Mahdia District Hospital. On his arrival at the medical facility, Gouveia was pronounced on arrival.