President David Granger yesterday said that Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources Simona Broomes is well-suited for her new portfolio given her knowledge of the mining industry even as he stated that he knows of no issue that she might have that could cause a conflict of interest.
“I know that she has a mining background but we felt that would be an asset because much of what she is likely to be involved in in the Ministry of Natural Resources would be on the protection of our working people”, Granger told reporters at the Ministry of the Presidency.
Last week, it was revealed that Broomes who has been hailed for coming to the rescue of workers whose rights were being violated by employers, would be reassigned to the Ministry of Natural Resources. She previously held the post of Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection with responsibility for labour. She took up that post in May and by the close of last year was able to see more than $50M being paid over to workers for a number of labour violations including wrongful dismissal and overtime. Her removal was criticised by observers who were quick to point out that Broomes had given workers a lifeline.
Granger was asked if there is a conflict of interest in having Broomes moved to the Natural Resources Ministry given that she has a continuing relationship with Australian mining company Troy Resources Limited but said that he was unaware of her involvement with that mining company.
He said that the government was very “upset at the lawlessness in the mining sector particularly the disaster at Mahdia in which (10) persons were killed” and as such his main directive to Broomes would be to pay attention to the protection of lives in the mining sector. Additionally, he said Broomes has a reputation for protecting young girls from human trafficking and other abuses.
“So we feel that she will be very well-suited to working in the natural resources sector but I don’t see the conflict that you anticipate”, he said.
Asked if steps will be taken to deal with this conflict if it is confirmed, he said “if there is a conflict I would want it to be brought to my attention but I am not aware of any conflict of interest at this point in time”. Later, at a press conference held by the Natural Resources Ministry on the work done last year and what is to be expected this year, Broomes said that she sees no conflict of interest.
“I don’t see it as a conflict of interest. I have three mining properties in the Issano and Pharsalus and I had a contract gone back years and if they are to mine the area it is simple, we come back to the table, if I am to get a percentage or if they are going to buy me out and that is simple. I don’t see any conflict of interest there and that is very straightforward”, she said. Pharsalus Gold Inc is a subsidiary of Troy Resources Inc.
Minister Raphael Trotman later interjected saying that Broomes has rightly said that there is no conflict. He said that she is not the only minister who has mining properties or business interests adding that many former ministers have vast financial and business holdings. “In the event that there is a perception or likelihood of a conflict…I will take over and ensure that she is insulated and kept at arm’s length”, he assured.
Trotman made it clear that he holds no mining claims, blocks or has any interests or investments. “Gold is something that is attractive and I believe that every Guyanese should feel persuaded and encouraged to invest in the future of mining”, he said.
