Minister of Governance declares Mining Week open – amidst calls for a change of attitude in doing business
MINING Week 2015 was officially declared open last evening, under the theme ‘Science and engineering solutions for safety, security and success in mining’.Doing the honours at the Arthur Chung International Conference Center at Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara, was Minister of Governance, Raphael Trotman who remarked on the aptness of the theme, given that “it recognises the hazards, dangers and sacrifices associated with mining, while taking away from the glitz and glamour.”
Before declaring the week-long celebration open, the Minister made mention of the fact that the history of mining in Guyana and its significance to the economy goes back more than a century, as Guyana has long been recognised as an established mining nation, and one of the Caribbean’s fastest growing economies.
But times are fast changing, he said. “We must not settle for perceptions, but recognise that we must position ourselves for the future…
“We cannot continue in the normal way and speed of doing business, and expect that we can go beyond an elementary stage.”
He also made no bones about the fact that fate has not been kind of late to the mining industry. “Against a backdrop of falling gold, diamond and bauxite prices, the preceeding year has been nothing but challenging for everyone,” he said, adding: “From June of 2014 to August 2015, where 26 men lost their lives in mining accidents…we can surmise that all is not well in the industry.”
But, all is not lost, he said, as the Government stands committed to the development of the mining sector.
Among new initiatives to be soon launched, he said, are management training for small-scale miners and the development of a mining policy.
Meanwhile, senior member of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA), Edward Shields felt that more importance should be paid to the mining week activities.
Among his suggestions are that plans presented during the week of activities be followed up or shortlisted, and that the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) play a meaningful role by establishing a task force to deal primarily with the development of the sector.
He, however, welcomed the proposed introduction of training programmes on the importance of mining, and suggested that they be made more broad-based and not just relegated to Georgetown.
Commissioner of GGMC, Rickford Vieira while addressing the gathering disclosed that the sector has another challenging year ahead, as focus must be placed on the reduction of costs of production.
With the necessary support from the Government, he noted that they can make the sector in Guyana comparable to those overseas.
Meanwhile, a national mining and quarrying conference and exhibition is slated for today and tomorrow at the Arthur Chung International Convention Centre, starting from 08:00hrs on both days.
Over the two days, local and international experts in the field of mining will make presentations on various aspects of the industry; field questions and take notes of observations from participants, with the aim of consensually identifying further advances which are required to take local mining operations to a higher level of production, productivity and profitability.
Sports and recreational activities, to be held in the main mining communities, namely Mahdia and Bartica in Region 7 (Cuyuni/Mazaruni) and at Port Kaituma in Region 1 (Barima/Waini), will comprise the lighter side of the week’s observances.
There have already been playoffs for finals during Mining Week, at Mahdia on August 16 and at Port Kaituma on August 22.
The week’s observances will culminate with the traditional fun-filled Pork–knockers’ Day on Saturday August 29 at the Bartica Golden Beach Pavillion.
The GGMC is inviting all Guyanese to participate in this annual salute to the mining industry.
By Navendra Seoraj
