Although they have ceased operations, dredge owners who were illegally mining on Micobie’s titled lands have refused to move from the Lower Potaro River as was instructed by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC).
Last week, the GGMC served a removal order to operators of the dredges after environmental and land rights concerns were raised by the Micobie Village Council in Region Eight. However, according to the Deputy Toshao of the community Vanessa Domingo, the General Manger had refused to sign the removal owner and told the team, which comprised Micobie’s Village Council and members of the GGMC including the commissioner that the owner would have to sign the removal order. They were told to remove all mining equipment from Micobie and the Lower Potaro River by last Monday.