Company to launch $600M sand pit/loam mining project in Reg 3

…says it received regulatory approval from GGMC

Trade Winds Incorporated, a local company, is looking to set up a $600 Million sand pit and loam mining project in Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara), with the company announcing that it has acquired the requisite regulatory approval.
The company announced that it obtained a licence from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), after a multi-year application process. According to the company, it is another developmental success coordinated by the Natural Resources Ministry.
It was explained in a statement by Trade Winds Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Charles Nedd, a United States (US) based Guyanese who returned to Guyana to invest in much the same way the Government has been calling on the diaspora to do, that they will start their feasibility study soon.
“We are excited for this opportunity to invest in Guyana and will soon get started with our feasibility study to determine the most efficient and sustainable operational processes. Our intention is to be in full operations by 2023.”
“And to be able to meet the increasing demand for sand and loam, especially for customers in the fast-developing Region Three infrastructure sector. Also, we anticipate that we will eventually hire approximately 30 Guyanese to fully staff the operations,” Nedd also said.
The company will be setting up their sand and loam mining operation in the vicinity of the Hubudebu River and Labba Creek in Region Three. The company further explained that the entire country, not just the residents of Region Three, will benefit from the operation.
“The company will eventually seek to develop other value-added products for international markets in the future,” the company went on to explain.

Diaspora to return
The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Government has been pushing for the Guyanese diaspora to return home and contribute to Guyana’s development. This has led to the establishment of a Diaspora Unit within the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
The Government has even made engaging the diaspora a priority, particularly at a pivotal time of Guyana’s development. Apart from diaspora engagement, the Government has been engaging Guyanese missions, consulates, consuls generals and honorary consuls across the globe. This has extended to Guyanese organisations in North America and elsewhere, to update them on developmental projects.
An allocation of $50 million has been earmarked for the Diaspora and Remigration Unit for staffing, internships, and providing the positive information that would attract possible remigrants.
Recently, President Dr Irfaan Ali had said that for the diaspora to be confident in systems to return to Guyana, fundamental principles of transformation are currently in the works to enhance the lives of citizens.
The Head of State attended a reception with members of the Guyanese diaspora last week at Guyana’s Embassy in Washington, DC. He was joined by Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd, Foreign Secretary Robert Persaud; Guyana’s Ambassador to the United States, Samuel Hinds; and US Ambassador to Guyana Sarah-Ann Lynch.
In addressing the gathering, Ali pointed out that the diaspora community would want a level of confidence in the local system to return to these shores, which Government is seeking to address.
“You want to know that you can return to a healthcare system that can take care of your family.
You want to know that you can return to an education system that can give your children the best possible education. And you want to know that you can return to a system where the security of your family is not a worry, but a given. These are three fundamental principles that we must address.”
However, at the same time, he said such aspirations extend beyond infrastructural investments. Physical transformation must be complemented by human transformation – a feat that must be undertaken by every Guyanese, which brings focus on the One Guyana initiative led by President Ali. (G3)