The Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc (BCGI) says it has engaged a loggers association of Upper Berbice operating in Region Ten to find a mutually agreeable solution to the problem of the illegal offloading of logs and loggers trucks crossing at its Kwakwani waterfront facility.
“Failure to have this matter addressed in a peaceful manner may force BCGI to seek redress in the local courts,” the company warned in a statement issued last Thursday.
According to BCGI, under its agreement with the Government of Guyana, it has been given a permit to manage and operate the facility, which is used to berth barges taking bauxite ore from the mines to its Aroaima plant to ships bound abroad. The facility is critical to its operations, it said, adding that any downtime caused by damage or other inconveniences could result in work at the company being scaled back, ultimately affecting its workers and revenues.
The company is concerned that illegal activities at its waterfront facility “will not only cause damage to [it] but it is also a major occupational safety violation and could result in serious injury or even fatalities.”
BCGI contends that the loggers should honour the provisions set out in the mining permits granted by the government, where it has been given legal right and responsibility to manage and operate the facility. As a major investor in bauxite mining in Guyana and a major employer with 518 staff, the company believes it is within its right to demand that the security of its facilities and investments be protected and preserved and that any attempt to blackmail the company into relinquishing its rights must be condemned. By engaging the loggers and operators of logging trucks, the company said it “is seriously concerned over the livelihood of its employees and the general safety of all concerned will be the primary areas of consideration.”
BCGI also said that last month it imported a fleet of heavy-duty equipment and machinery valued US$21M, and it anticipates government granting it licences to expand its operations in two additional mining areas. These investments will necessitate the employment of additional staff, which the company expects to number 600 this year, with projections for an increase by over 200 in 2013. BCGI also provides contractual work for an additional 300 persons.
