The South Rupununi District Council (SRDC) yesterday called for a suspension of mining operations following Saturday’s hair-raising robbery and kidnapping which is suspected to have been carried out by a gang from Brazil.
In a statement yesterday, the SRDC expressed deep concern over the armed robbery at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) checkpoint at Bush Mouth, which saw the abduction of several individuals, including two Wapichan men—one from Aishalton and the other from Karaudarnau in Deep South Rupununi, Region Nine. The abducted persons were later released after the police began a chase of the robbers.
“We are relieved that all hostages were released unharmed. However, this incident raises extreme alarm regarding the safety and security of Wapichan communities, particularly those near the Marudi mining area. Wapichan people not engaged in mining activities were also victims of robbery and assault. We never anticipated such crimes occurring so close to our peaceful communities, and this incident has left our residents, including children, deeply traumatized”, the SRDC said.
The Council said that it has consistently voiced concerns about the effects of mining in the Marudi Mountains on Wapichan communities and lands.
“We believe that the escalation of such criminal activities is linked to the increase in mining operations. There has also been an influx of Brazilians in the Marudi mining area, with several reports indicating that many are entering Guyana through an illegal route along the Guyana-Brazilian border—the same path used by the robbers to escape”, the SRDC said.
It said that the increase in mining activities became particularly noticeable in 2022 following the eviction of Brazilian miners from the Yanomami territory during a period when an agreement allowing “small miners” to continue mining on a concession now controlled by Golden Shields Resources was already in effect.
“Despite repeated requests, Wapichan communities were not given the opportunity to read, discuss, or provide input on this agreement, and it was only after more than two years that a copy was finally provided to the SRDC.
“These activities disrupt the social fabric of our communities and pose significant threats to the wellbeing of our people. Illegal activities should not be allowed to continue”, the SRDC declared.
It demanded that the relevant authorities take immediate action to bolster security measures in the Marudi Mountains to prevent any future incidents.
“We strongly recommend the establishment of a police outpost in the Marudi mining area, given the alarming increase in mining activities. Furthermore, we insist that all mining operations be suspended until comprehensive regulatory systems are established to protect our communities and until there is meaningful and effective participation in line with the principle of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC), ensuring full respect for the rights of Indigenous Peoples under national and international law”, the SRDC asserted.
It said that it is imperative that the government engage in meaningful dialogue with Wapichan communities to address urgent concerns regarding the environmental and social impacts of mining in Wapichan territory.
“Our safety, rights, and the integrity of our land must be prioritized. The safety of our people is paramount, and we will continue to work diligently to ensure a secure and sustainable future for all residents of the South Rupununi”, the Council said.
In a release, the police on Saturday night identified the persons who were rescued from the robbers as follows:
-Victor Adams, a 34-year-old Natural Resources Officer of Georgetown.
-Romain Simon, a 39-year-old Natural Resource Officer of Zeelugt.
-Christopher Charles, a 17-year-old barber of Lethem.
-Curtis Charles, a 35-year-old Lieutenant of the Guyana Defence Force and of Georgetown.
-Karl Antone, a 30-year-old Community Mines Ranger of Aishalton Village.
-Benedict John, a 28-year-old Caretaker of Karaudanau Village.
-Dionei Farias De Brito, 29, a General Manager of Boa Vista, Brazil
-Eduardo Moreira Freitas, a 22-year-old operator of Boa Vista, Brazil
The police say that the incident occurred at about 10.15 am on Saturday at Aishalton Village, South Rupununi.
A quantity of raw gold, two Glock pistols and one Movado watch valued at $140,000 were taken.
