The Ministry of Natural Resources last night announced that it had solicited a legal opinion on concerns that the mining holdings of Simona Broomes conflicts with her role as minister in the ministry.
In a release, the ministry was responding to a statement earlier in the day by PPP General Secretary Clement Rohee alleging a conflict of interest.
Others have also raised concerns about an apparent conflict of interest. It was noted that the APNU+AFC government’s own draft code of conduct for ministers and other officials would seem to rule out Broomes holding mining claims while at the same time having ministerial responsibilities in that sector.
According to the draft Code of Conduct for ministers, it is the personal responsibility of every Minister, Members of Parliament and public office holders to understand and comply with the Code of Conduct, in particular by conscientiously avoiding any conflict of interest, and making declaration and seeking prior permission from the Government in accordance with the Code in any case of exception.
The code says that a conflict of interest situation arises when the “private interests” of the public office holder compete or conflict with the interests of the State. “Private interests” mean both the financial and personal interests of the official and staff or those of their connections including family and other relations; personal friends; other companies or business interests which they hold or own (both in part or in whole); other clubs and societies to which they belong; and any person to whom they owe a favour or are obligated in any way.
In its release yesterday, the Ministry adverted to Rohee’s statement and said “The Ministry of Natural Resources wishes to make it clear that it has abundant confidence in the capacity and integrity of Minister Broomes and stands firmly behind her in the course of her execution of the responsibilities that fall under her new portfolio.
“In the first instance, we reject entirely the assertions that allude to ‘conflict of interest’ alluded to by Rohee in his statement. That notwithstanding, the Ministry has solicited a legal opinion on the matter of (a) conflict of interest and will pronounce with greater specificity on this issue very shortly.”
Earlier in the day, Rohee queried how Broomes can be responsible for overseeing the natural resources sector in Guyana when she has a contractual agreement with Pharsalus Gold Inc. (Troy Resources).
He added: “How can Broomes effectively exercise oversight of Troy Resources, or a company owned by Troy when she is involved in a joint venture partnership with the said company or a company owned by Troy.
“If there are breaches in the Occupational Safety and Health Protection of workers’ rights in the forestry and mining sectors and non-compliance with the various laws, will Broomes act or will she turn a blind eye?
He said that the platitudes offered by Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman to the effect that should such a situation arise;
`I will take over and ensure that she is insulated and kept at arms length’ will not suffice, as the damage would have already been done.
