Dear Editor,
Reference to the article in the Stabroek News dated Wednesday October 3rd 2007 titled “Barama formulated MOU on use of roads by miners”. I refer to the statement issued by the Chairman of Barama Co. Ltd., Mr. Girwar Lalaram that the company is “seeking to put the proper mechanisms in place to monitor mining activities within the certified areas, with special emphasis on proper environmental practices and strict safety precautions using the roads”. What supreme arrogance, which justifies the Association’s position that apparently Barama does not accept that Guyana is a sovereign nation, and not a Banana Republic, and its attempt/belief that this company can re-colonize it, by introducing its personal MOU for other industries operating in the hinterland for approval by the Government of Guyana.
The Association is flabbergasted that this company believes it can be given authority to monitor mining activities, enforce environmental practices for miners, and determine safety standards. Is there no recognition of the Guyana Geology & Mines Commission, or the fact that there exist surface and sub-surface rights which are regulated by specific Government Agencies? The fact is reinforced when one notices the sign posted by Barama on entering their concession (attached) which states that it is private property, and said sign has not been objected to by GGMC nor GFC. The question asked, is Why?
As a consequence, the Association is compelled as a matter of principle, to request an investigation into the reports that Barama is extracting logs from Forest State Reserves, as well as the monies Barama has accrued from its Mining Prospecting Licences in their Timber Sales Agreement (TSA) area. The Association hopes that Barama is only attempting to exaggerate their imperialistic tendencies in Guyana, and that the MOU to be approved by Government will be a generic document prepared solely by Government for the signatures of the Guyana Forestry Commission, Guyana Geology & Mines Commission and the pertinent NGOs.
Yours faithfully,
Edward Shields
Executive Director
Guyana Gold & Diamond Miners
Association
