Natural resources agencies intensify stakeholder engagement in mining, logging communities
The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), in collaboration with the Natural Resources Ministry and other sectoral agencies, has ramped up its outreach and monitoring efforts across multiple regions in order to ensure regulatory compliance, promote health and safety standards, and deepen engagement with stakeholders in the natural resources sector.
Representatives of the Natural Resources Ministry, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) and the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) during the meeting at Mahdia, Region Eight
In Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice), a GGMC team conducted site visits to several quarry and sandpit operations with the aim of monitoring compliance with mining regulations, enforcing health and safety protocols, and providing technical guidance to operators. The Commission is also engaging stakeholders to identify and address operational challenges, in line with the directive of the Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Vickram Bharrat, who has emphasized the importance of providing optimal service and support to industry operators.
Representatives of the Natural Resources Ministry, Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) and the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) during the meeting at Mahdia, Region Eight
Similar outreach initiatives have taken place in Regions One (Barima-Waini); Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni) and Eight (Potaro-Siparuni). A joint team comprising representatives of the Ministry of Natural Resources, the GGMC, the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), and the Guyana Gold Board (GGB) recently visited the communities of Tamakay and Mahdia to meet with stakeholders from the mining and logging sectors.
The meeting in Region Seven
These engagements form part of Minister Bharrat’s ongoing commitment to have consistent dialogue with stakeholders with the aim of improving the natural resources sector through responsive governance and collaborative problem-solving. During the meetings held over the past few days, stakeholders had opportunity to raise concerns directly with senior officials.
The GGMC team conducting site visit at a quarry in Region 10
Manager of the Guyana Gold Board, Eondrene Thompson, addressed issues related to the agency’s operations, while Deputy Commissioner of the GFC urged miners to adopt environmentally conscious practices and underscored the importance of sustainable logging. GGMC Commissioner Newell Dennison also provided updates on the mining sector, and invited stakeholders to seek guidance where necessary.
A section of persons at the Matthew’s Ridge, Region One meeting
Minister Bharrat has reiterated the Government’s dedication to strengthening the mining and forestry sectors through continuous engagement, improved regulatory oversight, and sustainable development practices.
