Gov’t drops charges against accused in Kaieteur Park illegal mining

By Stabroek News On In Guyana News |
Those accused of conducting illegal mining operations in the Kaieteur National Park leaving the Criminal Investigation Department on Tuesday afternoon after being released. The group, which consisted of 21 persons, including two women and a baby, was flown to the city on Sunday last from Region 8. (Photo by Keno George)
Those accused of conducting illegal mining operations in the Kaieteur National Park leaving the Criminal Investigation Department on Tuesday afternoon after being released. The group, which consisted of 21 persons, including two women and a baby, was flown to the city on Sunday last from Region 8. (Photo by Keno George)

The government, through the Ministry of Natural Resources, yesterday announced that as an “act of goodwill” charges will not be pursued against the 20 persons arrested last weekend for alleged illegal mining in the Kaieteur National Park (KNP) in Region Eight.

The Ministry of Natural Resources, in a statement issued yesterday, said that following a meeting between subject Minister Raphael Trotman and officials from the ministry and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), it was decided that as an act of good faith that government will not prosecute those arrested.

After their release earlier this week, the accused illegal miners, who hail from Chenapau Village, Region Eight, were all served with summonses by the GGMC for court hearings on July 18, 2017, at the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court on the charge that they broke the law by mining in the KNP, which is a protected area.