-urges against knee jerk reaction to sanctions
The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) has expressed consternation at what it refers to as “hints” of the removal of certain incentives and concessions that it says it has fought for on behalf of the industry, and is urging the government not to engage in a “knee jerk reaction,” a GGDMA release stated yesterday.
This comes in the wake of the recent findings by the US Department of the Treasury and the subsequent sanctions placed on a number of Guyanese nationals and entities.
The GGDMA iterated that its position has always been anti-smuggling and is supportive of government’s commitment to pursue a full investigation into the matter and prosecute those involved. As such, it urged the administration not to use the recent disclosure by the United States as a broad brush to paint all miners as smugglers, as it assured that the majority of miners are not engaged in smuggling and have worked hard for their place in society.