NTC raises issue of cease work orders with Natural Resources Minister

The Natural Resources Minister on Wednesday met with a delegation from the National Toshaos Council (NTC) which was headed by newly elected Chairman Toshao Nicholas Fredericks to address a number of issues that were related to both organisations.
During the meeting, Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman renewed his commitment to a closer working relationship between the two bodies. He noted that there is need for open and frank discussions and for the two sides to engage more frequently. Among the issues raised by the NTC was the 2017 ruling of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in the Wayne Vieira vs GGMC case that involved land situated in the Tassawini area of the Northwest Mining District.
Trotman provided the delegation with copies of the CCJ ruling, and noted that while the ruling must be respected, this does not negate the enforceability of the Amerindian Act.
The issuance of cease work orders by the GGMC was also questioned, and the NTC promised to provide the minister with a list of questions pertaining to cease work orders and the involvement of foreign partners in mining companies. The NTC also included other matters for which it requested documented responses. The issue of human trafficking was also raised.
Both parties iterated their commitment to the finalisation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which would address good governance, protection, conservation, sustainable management of indigenous community lands and natural resources, and communication between the ministry and the NTC.
It was later agreed that the two parties would meet again on August 15 to continue the discussions.