…miners working towards safer, more efficient, sustainable industry – NMS President
National Mining Syndicate President Cheryl Williams
The manifestation of National Mining Syndicate’s Constitution marks the culmination of many months of hard work that will aid in propelling the sector, while catering for the needs of all miners.
This is according to Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman, who, while addressing the gathering at the launching ceremony of its Constitution on Friday, noted the importance of such a document.
He emphasised that it will also be used to protect the rights of miners and those under their employ, but also reminded that members of the Syndicate need to focus on the original intent of those who crafted this much-needed Constitution and not deter from its purpose.
Minister Trotman lamented that mining is too often associated with everything negative that ails society, and that miners often do not receive much positive coverage. This, he stated, must be changed.
Meanwhile, National Mining Syndicate (NMS) President Cheryl Williams said that Guyana’s mining industry is not without its challenges and obstacles, nonetheless, those in the mining sector continue to push towards the aim of sustaining the country’s economy while preserving the environmental riches.
“The Syndicate currently consists of over 500 members representing just over 3,000 labourers in their employ. In our numbers, we are powerful…this ensures that we are effectively and meaningfully represented in all mining districts, working towards a safer and more efficient and sustainable industry focusing on sound environmental practices that would assist in preserving Guyana’s rich biodiversity and ecological corridors that include, wild life, waterways and forestry”.
She stated that the possibilities for those involved in the extractive sector in Guyana are endless, and that it is only through working together, in such a case, through the NSM, that the Government and corresponding institutions operate and handle miners’ business in a professional and transparent manner. The end result is that all of the country’s miners can be given respect, guidance and assistance.
“Through this initiative, we are able to access the benefits that were once not available to small-scale miners. We have transformed the industry. Together, there is much that can be achieved and accomplished…the possibilities and scope are endless…the extractive sector has been the backbone of the country’s economy for decades and we are all privileged to be a part of that legacy, mining is in our birthright, it is in our blood stemming from our ancestors”.
NSM Inc is a non-political parent body of all mining syndicates in Guyana that aims at ensuring equal opportunity for all involved in the sector, while protecting the human rights of all miners, regardless of race, gender, political and religious convictions. The NSM also aims at coordinating and facilitating the consultative and participatory process regarding the individual syndicates, by assisting them to find solutions to problems that may arise with regards to mining and other related operations that involve the extractive industry, among others.
The recently-launched Constitution is a legal framework that will guide the officers of the Board of the NMS to allow for the growth and development of the local mining syndicates— both individually and collectively— while supporting the national economy, and ensuring that the values of the body are promoted throughout the organisation. These include values such as effective management, transparency and environmental awareness to assist in enhancing a green economy, while building national trust.
Neglect
Last month, People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali had cause to flag the now caretaker coalition Government for neglecting the mining sector, noting that its counterproductive policies have destroyed the once flourishing sector.
Chief among the poor policies of the APNU/AFC administration, he pointed out are the burdensome taxes that have negatively affected recapitalisation and increased transactional cost. He further mentioned the lack of inventions in infrastructure which has led to a higher cost of transportation and increased cost of production.
Other areas which Ali flagged the now caretaker coalition Government on include: the removal of incentives that brought cost savings to miners and hinterland communities, leakages and favouritism in the distribution of mining properties and claims, and neglect, mismanagement and corruption.
Also, in July, a large number of miners and other business operators complained of not being able to reach the mining areas to work owing to the deplorable state of the Itaballi-Puruni Road, Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni).
The Itaballi-Puruni Road is the main thoroughfare used by persons in accessing the gold mining districts of Puruni Number 3, Cuyuni Number 4, and the Middle Mazaruni area, Region Seven from the Papishou Landing. The Puruni Road runs from the community of Itaballi, Mazaruni River, Lower Mazaruni, to the Papishou Landing, Mazaruni River, and Middle Mazaruni, and is the only entrance and exit to various key sections of Region Seven.
This newspaper was told that the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) has the sole responsibility for the maintenance of this road; however, users say they have been doing an unsatisfactory job.
In May, miners from Chinese Landing, Barima River, Region One (Barima-Waini) also had cause to complain bitterly of the GGMC officials and Police destroying their mining camps and halting their dredging operations, which resulted in them suffering major losses and finding difficulties in earning incomes.
