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Barticians now waiting for clear word from President Jagdeo on mining
Posted By Stabroek staff On February 3, 2010 @ 5:22 am In Local News
A day after Barticians shut down the community and staged a massive protest, life in the community returned to normalcy yesterday as the residents await word from President Bharrat Jagdeo regarding the implementation of six months notice before mining among other controversial proposals.
[1]
Frederick Mc Wilfred
Spokesperson for the Committee of Concerned Barticians, Frederick Mc Wilfred told this newspaper that the community felt that Monday’s actions had made a significant impression and that residents are now “waiting on a direct and unambiguous” response from the authorities. He stressed that the committee wanted a response directly from President Jagdeo.
So far, Mc Wilfred said he had noted the response by Prime Minister Sam Hinds which he said completely contradicted what Agriculture Minister Robert Persaud had said to the community on Saturday.
During a meeting with miners, Persaud had said that the contents of a letter sent by the Prime Minister to Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commis-sion (GGMC) William Woolford about three proposed initiatives had been withdrawn. Among the proposals in this letter was that: “every miner must give written notice of at least six months via the GGMC to the GFC (Guyana Forestry Com-mission) for any cutting or otherwise destroying, injuring or felling (killing of any tree)…”
But according to Mc Wilfred, attempts made on Monday by Hinds on NCN to explain why six months notice was necessary indicate that the government has not changed its tone. He said the government needed to come out and clearly state its position on the issue and not issue contradictory messages.
When asked if the miners from Bartica will be attending the meeting scheduled for February 11 with President Jagdeo, the spokesman said this had to be discussed with other members of the committee. He, however, repeated the proposal he first made during Monday’s post-march rally where he called for the Land Use Committee–set up to look into the ongoing issues pertaining to mining and forestry-to be expanded to include representatives from communities such as Bartica and Mahdia, which depend almost entirely on gold for their economic existence. He said that based on this recommendation the tenure of this committee may have to be extended. If the tenure of the Land Use Committee is extended, the President’s meeting with miners may have to be pushed back until the committee is finished with its recommendations, Mc Wilfred had said on Monday. He stressed that the recommendations coming out of this committee were important.
Meanwhile quizzed on the support for the protest on Monday, Mc Wilfred said that prior to the initiative “people were quietly very concerned” and that they had the will and motivation to fight. Once the plans for the protest were announced, Mc Wilfred said that the support from residents was immediate. The organizers did not have to beg residents to participate, Mc Wilfred stressed.
Meanwhile, Mc Wilfred said that persons who travelled to Bartica on Monday to partake in the activities said that they were planning a similar exercise in Mahdia. According to him, this was something the Mahdia miners were seriously considering prior to travelling to Bartica but which was definitely decided as a course of action after they would have witnessed the massive support that Monday’s exercise received. Mc Wilfred said that the Committee of Concerned Barticians will be fully supporting the residents of Mahdia in this exercise.
He said he believes that if there were to be a call for all miners to protest, all would respond. Since the Barticians began their fight, Mc Wilfred said, many large mining enterprises from all sections of the country have indicated their support for their actions.
Meanwhile, Mc Wilfred responded to suggestions carried during Monday’s edition of the NCN 6 o’clock news that residents were withdrawing their support for the actions of the group since these were politically motivated.
A clearly upset Mc Wilfred threw out a challenge to all concerned to prove that there was any interaction between them and any political figure or group.
He emphasized that the Committee of Concerned Barticians is determined that it remains “apolitical” since this was not a political issue but rather one that is “a bread and butter issue”. According to him, the persons involved in this action were from “all political shades” who had a common concern. He emphasised that the group will not be encouraging any political element that would seek to destroy the solidarity of its members.
On Monday, thousands of Barticians and residents from neighbouring riverain communities responded positively to a call by the Committee of Concerned Barticians for a shutdown of the community, as they pressed for the administration to review mining proposals which could potentially negatively impact their livelihoods.
Article printed from Stabroek News: http://www.stabroeknews.com
URL to article: http://www.stabroeknews.com/2010/stories/02/03/barticians-now-waiting-for-clear-word-from-president-jagdeo-on-mining/
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Protestas contra las medidas sobre la Explotación Minera en Bartica (Guyana Guayana Esequiba)
Bartica goes gold! …Thousands protest mining proposals
Posted By Stabroek staff On February 2, 2010 @ 5:22 am In Local News 156 Comments
By Gaulbert Sutherland and Mark McGowan
Thousands of Region Seven residents rallied in Bartica yesterday to protest government proposals they say will destroy the gold mining industry and with it their livelihoods.
[1]
Part of the crowd which marched through the streets of Bartica yesterday. (Photo by Gaulbert Sutherland)
In passionate tones, a sea of yellow-clad residents swept through the mining community, defending their right to mine. Significantly, leaders and villagers of several of the region’s Amerindian communities allied with miners; they participated in the protest march and conveyed messages of support. Local businesses organisations as well as other mining communities showed their support and the majority of businesses in the town were shuttered. The passenger boat service between Parika and Bartica was halted and though schools were open, only a few students turned up.
“This struggle here today is not a political struggle, this struggle is a bread and butter, this struggle is one of survival not so much for us who are old but for the future generations to come,” said Gordon Bradford, a member of the Committee of Concerned Barticians. He said that they are not going to back down but are also not approaching the issue with closed minds. “We are gonna discuss if they want to discuss and we are prepared also to compromise if they want to compromise,” he said.
[2]
This woman fell on her knees and lifted her hands as prayers were being said at yesterday’s post march rally. (Photo by Gaulbert Sutherland)
Galvanised in opposition to proposed new regulations for the industry, particularly a six-month notification period before mining can commence, miners and supporters thronged the streets, clad in yellow–signifying gold, and similarly coloured flags and banners hanging from vehicles, homes, and businesses places. At the front, a sign read: “We are kindly asking the government of Guyana to allow mining to continue the same way as we are doing now. We need no new proposals or to change the present regulations on mining. God Bless.” Behind it, the crowd moved off followed by a caravan of vehicles. The protesters carried posters and chanted. “Norway,” chanted one woman. “No Way,” the crowd–over 2,000 in number and comprising men, women and children of every race–responded, referring to the recent forest protection agreement signed with the Norway. The protesters called for revision of the contentious proposals currently being considered; for “proper” consultation; and a meeting with President Bharrat Jagdeo. “We need gold,” they shouted. “Bartica is gold;” “No Mining, no living.”
At the rally following the march, spokesperson for the Committee of Concerned Barticians, Frederick McWilfred said they fear the enactment of new regulations in the gold mining industry would severely affect the gold mining industry, the community and their economic life. He said that they object to any cessation or interruption of medium and small scale mining and are prepared to protect their businesses and secure the economic development of the community. “We are maintaining that we cannot survive all the procedures and actions that have to be taken to have the forestry and mining sectors go through the dance they have to go through before we can dig out the gold,” he said.
He outlined several proposals for government’s consideration, including that there be no new regulations in the small and medium scale industry. Further, he urged government to seriously consider the proposal of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) that seven to ten per cent of forest be set aside for alluvial mining, “which would be carried out in accordance with the existing regulations.” He emphasised that they are not against the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) or controlling deforestation or promoting clean mining, acknowledging that “we need to clean up our act because some of us indeed nasty up the place and misuse the mercury.” This point had earlier been raised by Bradford, who warned that they have to do mining in a safe and sustainable way because if they don’t then they are compromising the survival of future generations. “So we have our part to play and we intend to play our part but don’t bully us,” he asserted. “Mining is our survival. We don’t have anything else we can turn to,” he added.
Meanwhile, McWilfred recommended that the Land Use Committee–set up to look into these issues–be expanded to include representatives from communities such as Bartica and Mahdia, which depend almost entirely on gold for their economic existence. He pointed out too that recently, they were shocked to find out from the smallest-scale miners that they do not feel properly represented. He proposed that some mechanism be put in place to incorporate the concerns of the small-scale miners, noting that by and large they are not members of the GGDMA. “The process to find a resolution of the new regulations of gold mining…requires genuine consultation of all the stakeholders,” including small miners and communities not involved in the process now, he stated. If necessary the tenure of the committee must be extended, he said.
While proposals and recommendations were made and outlined, divine intervention was also sought. Representatives from the Christian, Hindu and Muslim religions prayed for wisdom to prevail and also forgiveness for what was done wrong in the mining sector. “Yes Lord,” “Alleluia” and other phrases rang out as women waved their hands in the air in prayer. “We chose to go into the mountains, into the depths of the rivers to seek our daily bread,” said Colin Hopkinson. He called on the Almighty to “touch the heart” of President Jagdeo and his Cabinet. The other religious leaders also prayed to God to guide the President and the Cabinet and not make them “hard-hearted like Pharaoh”.
The rally at the Bartica Community Centre Ground began with the sound of the Tradewinds’ “Not a blade of grass,” with the crowd singing aloud and women flinging grass in the air. The mining sector has closed ranks in opposition to the six-month notice period and several other recent measures, which have been linked to the government’s pursuit of the LCDS and the Norway agreement. It has been noted that ever since the LCDS came into being the authorities have been taking steps to tighten regulations in the relevant industries and the mining industry has seen increased focus, with miners being told that they would have to radically transform their mindset and operations.
Jagdeo has stated that the LCDS would not see a cessation of activities within the forest, and he assured that no rule would be made to shut down the industry. However, several miners have openly stated that with the proposals now being floated, the industry would be reduced to 10 to 15 small and medium scale miners. Industry operators note that in excess of 100,000 persons are directly and indirectly supported by the industry.
Yesterday representatives from several communities in the Region Seven and Region Eight (another area heavily dependent on mining) turned out in support. A miner from Mahdia noted that mining has an economic spill-off in all areas of the country. The President of the Bartica Chamber of Commerce pledged support “all the way” as did the Hire Car Association of Bartica and the Speedboat Association. “We demand the right to mine and pursue our livelihood,” said Sister Ellen from Dog Point.
“We face dangerous rapids and falls, malaria and disease, dangers all around. It is not an easy road,” said Vashti Layne of Bartica-Potaro road. Representatives of the Amerindian communities also pledged their support including Gregory Charles, the chairman of the Agatash Community Development Council; the Toshao of Karrou, the Chairman of Karatabo, representatives of Itaballi, Makoura, Agatash and Batavia, who said “what gives you a headache trouble us too.” In addition representatives of Riversview, Goshen, Falmouth, and a vendor from Parika also pledged their support. “Let us be firm in our determination to stand fast in our efforts to pursue to government of Guyana to consider the withdrawal of the new regulations intended for the alluvial gold mining in our community,” miner Shawn Hopkinson said. He urged that they make every effort to enlighten the government as to the adverse effects that the new regulations would have on their businesses and communities. He said their cause is clear; their requests are reasonable and their survival is at stake.
Mining entrepreneur, Chunilall Baboolall expressed deep concern at the effect the intended regulations would have on them. “We are convinced that they will severely restrict the mining activities in the medium and small scale categories.”
He said their information and present course of action are the result of data made available to them. A representative for Brazilian miners spoke passionately in support stating that she has been here for eight years.
“We will not waver, we will not flinch and we will pursue a resolution of the issues which we have enunciated here to its end,” McWilfred stated, stressing that they are prepared for the long haul and will not rest until a solution is found.
Nota del editor del blog: Al referenciarse a la República Cooperativa de Guyana se deben de tener en cuenta los 159.500Km2, de territorios ubicados al oeste del río Esequibo conocidos con el nombre de Guayana Esequiba o Zona en Reclamación sujetos al Acuerdo de Ginebra del 17 de febrero de 1966.
Territorios estos sobre los cuales el gobierno Venezolano en representación de la Nación venezolana se reservo sus derechos sobre los territorios de la Guayana Esequiba en su nota del 26 de mayo de 1966 al reconocerse al nuevo Estado de Guyana .
“...por lo tanto, Venezuela reconoce como territorio del nuevo Estado, el que se sitúa al este de la margen derecha del río Esequibo y reitera ante la comunidad internacional, que se reserva expresamente sus derechos de soberanía territorial sobre la zona que se encuentra en la margen izquierda del precitado río; en consecuencia, el territorio de la Guayana Esequiba sobre el cual Venezuela se reserva expresamente sus derechos soberanos, limita al Este con el nuevo Estado de Guyana, a través de la línea del río Esequibo, tomando éste desde su nacimiento hasta su desembocadura en el Océano Atlántico...”
Thousands of Region Seven residents rallied in Bartica yesterday to protest government proposals they say will destroy the gold mining industry and with it their livelihoods.
[1]
Part of the crowd which marched through the streets of Bartica yesterday. (Photo by Gaulbert Sutherland)
In passionate tones, a sea of yellow-clad residents swept through the mining community, defending their right to mine. Significantly, leaders and villagers of several of the region’s Amerindian communities allied with miners; they participated in the protest march and conveyed messages of support. Local businesses organisations as well as other mining communities showed their support and the majority of businesses in the town were shuttered. The passenger boat service between Parika and Bartica was halted and though schools were open, only a few students turned up.
“This struggle here today is not a political struggle, this struggle is a bread and butter, this struggle is one of survival not so much for us who are old but for the future generations to come,” said Gordon Bradford, a member of the Committee of Concerned Barticians. He said that they are not going to back down but are also not approaching the issue with closed minds. “We are gonna discuss if they want to discuss and we are prepared also to compromise if they want to compromise,” he said.
[2]
This woman fell on her knees and lifted her hands as prayers were being said at yesterday’s post march rally. (Photo by Gaulbert Sutherland)
Galvanised in opposition to proposed new regulations for the industry, particularly a six-month notification period before mining can commence, miners and supporters thronged the streets, clad in yellow–signifying gold, and similarly coloured flags and banners hanging from vehicles, homes, and businesses places. At the front, a sign read: “We are kindly asking the government of Guyana to allow mining to continue the same way as we are doing now. We need no new proposals or to change the present regulations on mining. God Bless.” Behind it, the crowd moved off followed by a caravan of vehicles. The protesters carried posters and chanted. “Norway,” chanted one woman. “No Way,” the crowd–over 2,000 in number and comprising men, women and children of every race–responded, referring to the recent forest protection agreement signed with the Norway. The protesters called for revision of the contentious proposals currently being considered; for “proper” consultation; and a meeting with President Bharrat Jagdeo. “We need gold,” they shouted. “Bartica is gold;” “No Mining, no living.”
At the rally following the march, spokesperson for the Committee of Concerned Barticians, Frederick McWilfred said they fear the enactment of new regulations in the gold mining industry would severely affect the gold mining industry, the community and their economic life. He said that they object to any cessation or interruption of medium and small scale mining and are prepared to protect their businesses and secure the economic development of the community. “We are maintaining that we cannot survive all the procedures and actions that have to be taken to have the forestry and mining sectors go through the dance they have to go through before we can dig out the gold,” he said.
He outlined several proposals for government’s consideration, including that there be no new regulations in the small and medium scale industry. Further, he urged government to seriously consider the proposal of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) that seven to ten per cent of forest be set aside for alluvial mining, “which would be carried out in accordance with the existing regulations.” He emphasised that they are not against the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) or controlling deforestation or promoting clean mining, acknowledging that “we need to clean up our act because some of us indeed nasty up the place and misuse the mercury.” This point had earlier been raised by Bradford, who warned that they have to do mining in a safe and sustainable way because if they don’t then they are compromising the survival of future generations. “So we have our part to play and we intend to play our part but don’t bully us,” he asserted. “Mining is our survival. We don’t have anything else we can turn to,” he added.
Meanwhile, McWilfred recommended that the Land Use Committee–set up to look into these issues–be expanded to include representatives from communities such as Bartica and Mahdia, which depend almost entirely on gold for their economic existence. He pointed out too that recently, they were shocked to find out from the smallest-scale miners that they do not feel properly represented. He proposed that some mechanism be put in place to incorporate the concerns of the small-scale miners, noting that by and large they are not members of the GGDMA. “The process to find a resolution of the new regulations of gold mining…requires genuine consultation of all the stakeholders,” including small miners and communities not involved in the process now, he stated. If necessary the tenure of the committee must be extended, he said.
While proposals and recommendations were made and outlined, divine intervention was also sought. Representatives from the Christian, Hindu and Muslim religions prayed for wisdom to prevail and also forgiveness for what was done wrong in the mining sector. “Yes Lord,” “Alleluia” and other phrases rang out as women waved their hands in the air in prayer. “We chose to go into the mountains, into the depths of the rivers to seek our daily bread,” said Colin Hopkinson. He called on the Almighty to “touch the heart” of President Jagdeo and his Cabinet. The other religious leaders also prayed to God to guide the President and the Cabinet and not make them “hard-hearted like Pharaoh”.
The rally at the Bartica Community Centre Ground began with the sound of the Tradewinds’ “Not a blade of grass,” with the crowd singing aloud and women flinging grass in the air. The mining sector has closed ranks in opposition to the six-month notice period and several other recent measures, which have been linked to the government’s pursuit of the LCDS and the Norway agreement. It has been noted that ever since the LCDS came into being the authorities have been taking steps to tighten regulations in the relevant industries and the mining industry has seen increased focus, with miners being told that they would have to radically transform their mindset and operations.
Jagdeo has stated that the LCDS would not see a cessation of activities within the forest, and he assured that no rule would be made to shut down the industry. However, several miners have openly stated that with the proposals now being floated, the industry would be reduced to 10 to 15 small and medium scale miners. Industry operators note that in excess of 100,000 persons are directly and indirectly supported by the industry.
Yesterday representatives from several communities in the Region Seven and Region Eight (another area heavily dependent on mining) turned out in support. A miner from Mahdia noted that mining has an economic spill-off in all areas of the country. The President of the Bartica Chamber of Commerce pledged support “all the way” as did the Hire Car Association of Bartica and the Speedboat Association. “We demand the right to mine and pursue our livelihood,” said Sister Ellen from Dog Point.
“We face dangerous rapids and falls, malaria and disease, dangers all around. It is not an easy road,” said Vashti Layne of Bartica-Potaro road. Representatives of the Amerindian communities also pledged their support including Gregory Charles, the chairman of the Agatash Community Development Council; the Toshao of Karrou, the Chairman of Karatabo, representatives of Itaballi, Makoura, Agatash and Batavia, who said “what gives you a headache trouble us too.” In addition representatives of Riversview, Goshen, Falmouth, and a vendor from Parika also pledged their support. “Let us be firm in our determination to stand fast in our efforts to pursue to government of Guyana to consider the withdrawal of the new regulations intended for the alluvial gold mining in our community,” miner Shawn Hopkinson said. He urged that they make every effort to enlighten the government as to the adverse effects that the new regulations would have on their businesses and communities. He said their cause is clear; their requests are reasonable and their survival is at stake.
Mining entrepreneur, Chunilall Baboolall expressed deep concern at the effect the intended regulations would have on them. “We are convinced that they will severely restrict the mining activities in the medium and small scale categories.”
He said their information and present course of action are the result of data made available to them. A representative for Brazilian miners spoke passionately in support stating that she has been here for eight years.
“We will not waver, we will not flinch and we will pursue a resolution of the issues which we have enunciated here to its end,” McWilfred stated, stressing that they are prepared for the long haul and will not rest until a solution is found.
Nota del editor del blog: Al referenciarse a la República Cooperativa de Guyana se deben de tener en cuenta los 159.500Km2, de territorios ubicados al oeste del río Esequibo conocidos con el nombre de Guayana Esequiba o Zona en Reclamación sujetos al Acuerdo de Ginebra del 17 de febrero de 1966.
Territorios estos sobre los cuales el gobierno Venezolano en representación de la Nación venezolana se reservo sus derechos sobre los territorios de la Guayana Esequiba en su nota del 26 de mayo de 1966 al reconocerse al nuevo Estado de Guyana .
“...por lo tanto, Venezuela reconoce como territorio del nuevo Estado, el que se sitúa al este de la margen derecha del río Esequibo y reitera ante la comunidad internacional, que se reserva expresamente sus derechos de soberanía territorial sobre la zona que se encuentra en la margen izquierda del precitado río; en consecuencia, el territorio de la Guayana Esequiba sobre el cual Venezuela se reserva expresamente sus derechos soberanos, limita al Este con el nuevo Estado de Guyana, a través de la línea del río Esequibo, tomando éste desde su nacimiento hasta su desembocadura en el Océano Atlántico...”
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