The Executive of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) met with Commissioner of Police (ag) Seelall Persaud at its head office on Sunday and they were told that a plan is being worked on to tackle interior crime.
A release from the GGDMA said that informal meetings between the GGDMA and serving police commissioners were first initiated by late former Commissioner Laurie Lewis. This was the first meeting with Persaud.
The ‘brunch’-styled meeting allowed leading miners and senior ranks of the police force to discuss pressing security issues in the industry, including the number of murders and robberies reported in the hinterland.
“Again the problem of illegal shops was highlighted. These illegal shops are cover for illegal activities such as the selling of drugs, firearms, trafficking in persons and the promotion of prostitution,” the group said. Training for private security personnel attached to mining firms was also addressed.
Led by Assistant Commissioner David Ramnarine, the police are currently preparing a programme to tackle crime in the interior which will be presented to key stakeholders such as the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the Guyana Forestry Commission and other agencies with interests in the hinterland.
The other invitees were Clinton Williams, Chairman of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission; Commander Hicken of A Division, Commander Brutus of E Division, Commander Ramsay of F Division, leading miners and their security personnel.
