Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman and a team visited and provided assistance to a Region Eight family last Thursday after complaints were made about them being unfairly treated by a miner in the area.
According to a press release issued by his ministry, Trotman and the team, which comprised members of the Mines Division of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), and the ministries of Natural Resources and Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs visited 87-year-old Lucille Williams of Karisparu Village.
Williams and her family had complained about unfair treatment at the hands of a miner. That complaint was brought up by Toshao Edward McGarrel of Chenapou at the recently concluded National Toshaos Conference. At the conference, the minister noted that he would make a visit to the community and meet with the elderly woman instead of relying on unreliable and reports.
During the visit, the release noted, Trotman was able to get a direct view of the situation and related to Williams that it was President David Granger’s wish that “every citizen be treated with respect and dignity” and further added that the government wanted to ensure that the issues were handled.
The team further presented the 87-year-old with groceries and other essential items worth just about $150,000. Minister Trotman and team further committed to fulfilling the requests by the family for equipment and materials, such as a chain saw and zinc sheets to construct a home for the elderly woman. The materials are set to be delivered before the end of November. Williams and family expressed their sincere gratitude to the minister and his team, the statement added.
