Minister of Governance Raphael Trotman led a team including Region 10 MP Audwin Rutherford and senior representatives of the Guyana Geology & Mines Commission on an official visit to the Upper Demerara-Upper Berbice area two weekends ago.
According to a report from the Government Information Agency (GINA), the team held discussions with the management of the Bauxite Company of Guyana Inc., toured RUSAL’s plant operations, the Kurubuka-22 Mines and held onsite meetings with employees of the company, during the two-day visit. The minister reiterated to the management of the bauxite company that government expects that all investors will respect the laws of the land, respect its citizens and employees and be responsible stewards of the environment.
Additionally, the group visited indigenous communities at Wiruni and Calcuni and met with the respective village captains.
At the Kwakwani meeting, residents raised many issues of concern to them and the group engaged in frank discussions into the late evening hours.
According to GINA, Trotman assured the gathering that their needs would be addressed in a structured manner to ensure an enhanced quality of life and the sustainable development of their community.
On Sunday the team visited the Operations of Variety Woods and Greenheart Limited at Bamboo Landing, toured the sawmill and processing facilities, met employees of the company and held discussions with management. GINA said the minister was satisfied with the site visit and the efforts made to maintain standards for sustainable forest management, the level of production efficiency and the high quality of the timber products produced.
The report said the Social Protection Minister and Assistant Regional Executive Officer, Region 10 were also a part of the team.
