Broomes rebuffs allegation of interference in mining claim

Minister in the Ministry of Natural Resources, Simona Broomes has rejected claims that she has interfered in relation to a disputed north west mining property.
In a statement on Friday, Broomes said the allegation has been made by Malek Cave who has alleged that she has influenced the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission to rescind the licence of Clarence Rodrigues whose claim is overseen by Cave.
Broomes said that the allegations arose from her facilitating a process to settle a conflict between Rodrigues and a Mr Van De Cruz. Broomes’ statement said that Van De Cruz had received a cease work order and had made several efforts to solve the matter without success. She said when the new government took office Van De Cruz appealed to Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman and Trotman referred the case to her as she is responsible for miners’ rights. Subsequently, she said that Rodrigues also approached her on the matter.
Recognizing that there was a conflict, Broomes said she asked the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission to probe the matter and submit a report. Broomes further noted that cease work orders are not placed by a minister or lifted by a minister. Under the Act this is the responsibility of the GGMC Commissioner, she noted.
As such, the minister said that she is awaiting the GGMC’s report. She described the allegations by Cave as erroneous and distasteful and a deliberate attempt to implicate her.