The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) on Thursday issued a removal order to operators of dredges who are illegally mining on the titled lands of Micobie, in Region Eight.
They have also been ordered to refill the land that they have excavated, according to the Toshao of Micobie, Cleveland Henry, who told Stabroek News yesterday that the village council along with the General Manager of GGMC visited the area on Thursday to assess the situation.
While there, the removal order was served but according to the Deputy Toshao, Vanessa Domingo, the owner of the dredges was not in the area and General Manager of the mining operation refused to sign the order.
She said that the removal order states that they have to remove all hydraulic dredges and excavators from that area of the Potaro River and also out of Micobie’s land by Monday. In addition, she said while they said that they are going to refill the land, she is skeptical that they will do so as promises made to that effect have been broken multiple times before.
Domingo said that the Village Council has no faith that the miners will leave even though the GGMC manager promised that they will make regular visits to the area to ensure that they adhere to the order. She added that the Village Council will also being doing the same thing and will have a meeting today to agree on a way forward.
The operators remained in the area despite several notices by the Village Council and a cease order from GGMC.
Domingo had previously told Stabroek News that operators of the dredges have been using an excavator to clear land on the bank of the river and engaging in dredging activities. She said that this has resulted in major erosion on the right bank of the Potaro River. She had also revealed that they had visited the area last Saturday and attempted to issue a removal notice to the miners but they refused to accept it.
