Four dredges continue to mine for gold in the lower Potaro River despite being served notices by the Microbie Village council and a cease order from the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) Warden station in Mahdia, Region 8.
The village council is seeking the intervention of higher authorities to resolve the matter.
Deputy Toshao of the Micobie Village Council, Vanessa Domingo told Stabroek News yesterday that the dredges which are permitted to mine in the river have been using an excavator to clear land on the bank of the river and to engage in dredging activities.
She said that this has resulted in major erosion on the right bank of the Potaro River. She stated that on Saturday the village council visited to area and attempted to issue a removal notice to the miners but they refused to accept it.
“Today [Sunday] after a meeting with the residents, the council was accompanied by a Warden from the GGMC back to the area but when we go, there was no one working the area they left… but we found them and the warden gave them a cease order. But we just got word that they have returned and they are working the area,” Domingo said last night when contacted by this newspaper.
Explaining the dilemma the council faces, she said this has been an ongoing issue which they will like to see rectified in the shortest possible time.
“Past councils and governments have been involved in this issue. It has been continuing for a number of years. We are the titled owners of the lands but a man name Edward Singh says he have claim to the lands. We recently found out that the claims isn’t licensed as yet so we are questioning how people can use his claim and carry out mining,” she lamented.
The deputy Toshao pointed out that because of the land dispute, GGMC has advised that they, too, cease working the village council dredge until the issue is sorted out.
“They want us to stop working our dredge but these dragga keep working. How can they work on a land we have title too and they don’t? the deputy questioned.
She stated that every time an officer or an official is en route to the location the miners are allegedly given a heads up and remove themselves from the area.
“We are not given any justice from GGMC because they don’t get to catch the miners in action. We plan to deliver the letter to the dredge owners and write to the President for help… we need to get some sort of satisfaction and be able to mine on our lands,” Domingo stressed.
