More than two months have passed since gold mining operations were halted by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) at Campbelltown, in Region Eight and residents have grown impatient with the Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai as they say they are being denied their livelihoods.
They have been awaiting the disclosure of the findings of an investigation into suspended Toshao Marbel Thomas and other members of the Village Council, which they believe has stalled the resumption of mining activities in the community.
Mining operations in the community were halted on October 20th by the GGMC after an inspection revealed that they there were unsafe. This resulted in some residents petitioning for the removal of the Toshao and the Village Council, while accusing them of only allowing family members and foreigners to mine in the area.