Policy development and natural resources management in 2019

– Consultant to be hired in restructuring of GGMC

– $1B for roads in mining districts

– Improving governance and transparency in sector

DPI, Guyana, Thursday, December 6, 2018

Miners will have increased access to their claims and lands in 2019 with the allocation of $1Billion for maintaining and creating roads in mining districts.

Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes.

Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes, said this is a clear sign of the government’s commitment to linking the hinterland with the coastland contrary to claims being made by the opposition.

Minister Broomes was addressing the National Assembly as the debate over the 2019 national budget continues.

The Minister noted that a number of new roadways will also be opened in 2019. These include Mathew’s Ridge – Port Kaituma – Barimita, Buckhall-Wiani River, linking the Puruni to Cuyuni River, road to Issano from Troy Resources, Pontoon Crossing at Butakari. The Ministry will also be developing roads from Lethem to Monkey Mountain

“This government is on the drive for major infrastructure development, you don’t have to worry,” Minister Broomes told the opposition Members of Parliament. “This government will ensure that the type of infrastructure that is needed will be delivered to its people,” she assured miners.

Next year will also see the start of the restructuring of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). Minister Broomes noted that the Ministry will finalise the hiring of a consultant to lead the process in 2019.

Additionally, works have already begun to improve several departments within the GGMC. These include updating the information and systems at Land Management and Mines Division for a more transparent and efficient service to miners Minister Broome noted.

Minister Broomes noted that small miners have benefited more under this administration compared to the previous. “It is under this government that the Minister of Finance has ensured that the IDA (Investment Development Agreement) is signed at all levels. Never before,” Minister Broomes noted.

The syndicate initiative which was introduced by the Ministry last year has effectively addressed issues facing small miners Minister Broomes pointed out. “The small miners are happy. We are happy … that today the small miners have a voice, they are mobilised, the government is working with them and we will continue working with them,” Minister Broomes said.

The Ministry will also review the policies and legislation governing its regulatory agencies to eliminate any loopholes to reduce the exploitation and increase transparency and governance in the extractive sector.

“Transparency is what this government is all about,” Minister Broomes said.

Tiffny Rhodius.

Image: Jameel Mohamed.

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