Dear Editor,
In a recent article published in the Kaieteur News accusing GGMC’s Mines Officers of corruption, Editor, I would like to add some evidence to support your article.
I am a shop owner at Puruni Landing and my place of business was visited recently by an official who claimed to be responsible for managing Trading Licenses.
I was in Georgetown at the time doing business. The official, who is not stationed in the area, presented a notice to my shop attendant indicating that the trading in gold with the license would be suspended from January 2020. However, if I wish to continue doing business, one ounce of raw gold must be paid to him when he visits in January.
It is my understanding that the said person had made similar proposals to other shop owners. Upon returning to the Puruni Landing two days after, I visited the GGMC’s office to enquire the basis of the notice and was told by the Mines Officer stationed there that he had no knowledge of such notice and would have to check with his supervisor.
He did acknowledge that the official who served the notice works at the GGMC but in another department.
Sir, this act of corrupt practice must be highlighted in an effort to remove those individuals who engage in such practices from the GGMC.
I have interacted on a number of occasions with officers of the Commission and found many to be hardworking and honest; however, there are a few such as the individual who gave the notice, that should be investigated and the necessary action is taken.
I firmly believe that this was a “shakedown” operation since the officer stationed at the Puruni Landing confessed that he was in no way connected to that individual.
Sincerely,
Shop owner
