Dear Editor,
As Mining Month concludes, the recent announcement of a mining court and a magistrate to deal specifically with mining related issues by the government is most welcome, and a step in the right direction. The government must be given due credit for steps taken to address the issues and concerns of both employees and employers. The mining court will benefit the labour force, no doubt, and address other related mining concerns.
As a mining advocate I welcome the decision of Junior Social Protection Simona Broomes and Chief Labour Officer Charles Ogle’s recent visit to Guyana Gold Fields where they met with workers.
However I am disappointed the Minister and her team only met with a minority of workers and not the majority. You don’t meet workers in the mess hall; you visit workers while work is in progress to observe and get first-hand knowledge as to what is taking place.
I salute all categories of mining workers for their hard work which is known to contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). I will continue to raise my voice in defence of the voiceless labouring masses in the mining industry and help secure social and economic justice for all mining workers.
I remain hopeful that the putting of workers on contract will become a thing of the past, as it only denies them their rights and drives a wedge between employers and employees. I condemn such practices.
Recognition must also be given to employers who through good and bad times continue to provide employment for thousands of Guyanese. The contribution to the development of Guyana and various communities across mining districts by employers have not gone unnoticed.
Yours faithfully,
Sherwyn Delano Downer
