Dear Editor,
The Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) is aware of the media coverage on the matter of GGMC being in receipt of a letter from a lawyer representing Mr. Milton Brandford and Mr. Ayudhia Narain, and wishes to clarify for all stakeholders, that a clear and transparent process exists for the application and granting of claims.
GGMC remains the sole entity responsible for the verification and issuance of claim licenses. The verification and issuance process includes field verification, intensive internal desk reviews and research, and secondary reviews by senior officers of the Commission, prior to making a final determination on an application for a claim license. During this entire process, the public and applicants are duly notified, with awareness and transparency being paramount. Of importance is the fact that an application for a claim licence and the ensuing process of verification, does not mean that a licence is or would be granted.
Until such time as a licence is granted, the process is one where an application is made. Mr. Brandford and Mr. Narain have not been issued with claim licences by GGMC.
A Reservation Order was executed under section 10 of the Mining Act, 1989, on March 15, 2022, for the Troy Resources mining site. This was necessary due to the abandonment of the site by Troy Resources Guyana Inc. (TRGI) and the subsequent vandalism of the property and assets that transpired thereafter, including illegal mining activities. The effect of the Reservation Order was to reserve the entire area and place same under the control of the Government of Guyana (GoG), to whom Troy Resources Guyana Inc. owes in excess of US$6.0m.
Therein, the GoG took the necessary and required steps to curb the illegal activities at the site and maintain the integrity of the property. It is also important to note that in the property holdings of Troy Resources Guy. Inc., many property holders, including claim holders, would have sold their properties to TRGI and therein, those claims or properties become relinquished and are not available for application.
It is sincerely hoped that this brings clarity to the matter currently in the social media sphere, and removes the negative air and perception of nefarious actions on the part of GGMC or the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Sincerely,
Newell M Dennison
Commissioner