A team of government ministers on Saturday descended on the South Rupununi village of Aishalton to defend the controversial decision to restart small-scale mining activities on the Marudi Mountain, presenting the move as a solution to fast-track development in the area.
However, villagers rebutted their argument and registered their disappointment at government’s failure to consult with them before announcing that a mining agreement had been reached. The agreement comes two years after mining activities were halted. The signing now paves way for the resumption of small-scale mining activities at the mountain.
“They came to us with the story, that mining has economic benefits as if that is the only way for village improvement, but nowhere in the ministry’s [Amerindian Affairs] road map for development, mining is listed,” Kid James, executive member of the South Rupununi Development Council told Stabroek News subsequent to the meeting.