Natural Resources Minister Raphael Trotman on Wednesday announced planned salary increases for the staff of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).
“On an even brighter note, we have also responded to a request by the Commissioner on your behalf for salary increases for 2019, and after discussions with the Ministry of Finance, I am also pleased to announce that Ministry of Finance has agreed that, staff members will receive an increase in salary retroactive to 1st January, 2019. This should make all of you very happy and remind you that we hear you and we are busy responding,” Trotman said at a 40th anniversary celebration of the GGMC at the Ramada Princess Hotel.
Trotman said the government remains sensitive to the “human side” of the industry, and especially to the needs of the men and women who persevere despite the challenges. In this regard, he added it listened to their calls for more comfortable working conditions and responded by handing over the buildings occupied by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Guyana Gold Board. He encouraged the management team to prudently manage their current staff levels and space so they could continue to enjoy the comfort they now have.
“While we still grapple with strengthening the internal efficiency at the GGMC, I believe that the gains we have made so far are important pillars that ensure that a firm foundation is set for the growth and development we envision in the industry over the next forty years,” he noted, while adding that this will be facilitated by the restructuring of the Commission.
On this point, Trotman also announced that the consultancy for the restructuring will be awarded within the new week. “This will realign the Commission with its core functions, whilst preparing it for a future where the environment, conservation and sustainable extraction of our mineral resources have to be carefully balanced,” he added.
Trotman also used the occasion to credit the GGMC for its work, and he singled out the Petroleum Division for its achievements as it prepares the nation for first oil in a few months’ time.
“As a Government we are also keenly aware that these contributions have not materialised without challenges and obstacles but, we have seen, the GGMC overcame them and we remain confident that it will continue to do so. So far, your commitment and dedication have helped us to complete the National Mineral Policy Framework and Plan of Action that covers the period 2019-2029, complete policy reforms for mining and policy briefs that speak specifically to the bauxite industry and review the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission Act and the Mining Act to bring them in line with current and future goals. We have also completed a review of the mining regulations as well as legal reforms at the Guyana Gold Board,” he noted, while saying that the Commission has continued to defy the naysayers and continue to carve a path forward.
“All these achievements, and many, many, more have been made in the face of attempts at destabilisation, challenges brought on by changing weather patterns and unhelpful criticism that seek to define the GGMC as an inept and inefficient state agency,” he also said.
He added that he was pleased to see the government’s vision of modernising the Commission through the utilisation of IT tools take a quantum leap when a presentation was made by Husgra Technologies Inc. to show progress on digitising the process of making applications and managing the grant of prospecting and mining permits. “This will make for a more efficient and transparent process of land management,” he said.
