Minister Broomes visits miner injured during robbery in interior
DPI, GUYANA, Saturday, July 23, 2017
Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes visited the injured miner on Saturday, whose mining camp was attacked by armed men on July 19.
Minister Broomes talking with injured miner Joel Paton
Joel Paton, 22 years old, sustained serious injuries during the shooting but is in a stable condition at the Georgetown Public Hospital. Minister Broomes said she visited the miner to wish him well and get a firsthand account of the incident.
“Miners’ lives are so at risk, it is so dangerous I mean what he endured the traveling and terrain to get medical attention. But I just thank God that he is alive and he can tell this story,” Minister Broomes said.
According to the Police, Paton’s mining camp, located in the Imataka backdam three miles outside of Guyana in neighbouring Venezuela, was attacked by gunmen who were shooting indiscriminately. Three of Paton’s co-workers died from the shooting. Police investigations are ongoing.
Minister Broomes encouraged miners working in the interior, both in and out of Guyana, to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. “Don’t allow gold to trap you to your death,” the Minister cautioned.
By: Tiffny Rhodius