Take serious actions against raiders, gold smuggling – new GGDMA head

Ronaldo Alphonso, who has been elected new President of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Mining Association(GGDMA), on Wednesday called on Government to take serious action against raiders in the gold sector and those responsible for smuggling.
In addition, he called on miners to increase their gold production and declarations to the legitimate bodies.
Further, he announced that he would be holding an “open day” for miners to come in and share problems that they are experiencing in the industry, and he committed to working to ensure the success of all miners in Guyana.
The new GGDMA President also told miners, “Gold mining is like the good wife; we must not be distracted by this new ‘girl called oil and gas.”
He added that the gold and diamond industry holds great meaning for him, and he is deeply passionate about its success. “With over two decades of experience in mining, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by miners of all scales. This knowledge fuels my determination to advocate tirelessly for the advancement of our industry, and to represent the interests of our dedicated miners,” he said.
This new GGDMA President will be supported by the newly elected management team, which comprises Marcus Dabria as Vice President; Azeem Baksh as Secretary; Patrick Harding, who has been returned as Treasurer; Gerald Alphonso, elected as Organizing Secretary; and Vishanti Balgobin, Terrence Adams, Terry Singh and Shawn King, elected as members of the Management Committee.
Outgoing President Andron Alphonso has thanked the membership for their faith in him over the last two years, and has called on the GGDMA to continue working to advocate for miners’ rights and to remain relevant in the face of the oil and gas sector. He called on members to work together to ensure that the sector, which has helped build Guyana, continues to have a long and bright future.
GGDMA Administrative Manager Avalon Jagnandan highlighted several of the achievements made in the last year, including concessions gained from the Government and benefits the GGDMA has been able to negotiate for miners. He also disclosed that a new GGDMA Identification Card would be issued to miners, and this would allow members to access special discounts and privileges at selected companies.
Jagnandan noted that the new executive would have to address the revised Investment Development with the Government, the continued transition to mercury-free mining, and the cessation of raiding.