IN AN effort to beef up security in the hinterland regions, especially in the mining areas, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud yesterday handed over two All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and satellite phones to Commissioner of Police (ag), Seelall Persaud in the Ministry’s Brickdam compound. Mining is the largest contributor to Guyana’s economic development and over the years, miners have been complaining about the need for enhanced security in the mining areas. And so the ministry, in collaboration with the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) are working closely with the Guyana Police Force to ensure mining areas are much safer.
During the handing over ceremony, Minister Persaud said that this event was part of the continued collaboration with the police force to ensure that residents are protected, and mining can be done in a much safer environment.
Minister Persaud spoke of the security challenges that the mining sector faces, noting that just recently this issue was highlighted by the miners themselves who called for heightened seriousness being given to the security threats facing the hinterland.
“Our vast interior lends itself to a number of opportunities and challenges, one of those being how do we police, how do we ensure the safety of operations, businesses and individuals in the hinterland,” Minister Persaud emphasised.
He noted that the mining sector and the relevant agencies are prepared to work very closely with the security forces in this regard.
“The mining sector is very critical to our national economy and that is why we have to give it attention and priority, especially in terms of protecting people and their operations,” Minister Persaud said, while committing the ministry’s continued support to the force.
Speaking on the need for training, Minister Persaud said that the ministry will continue to support this area to ensure that the force is aware of the mining laws.
“If we are going to ensure that our national laws are adhered to, and if we are going to get the type of support from the ranks, it is also important that their knowledge as to what is expected of stakeholders is addressed,” Minister Persaud further noted.
With the establishment of close to 80 new mining stations in different areas, and the updating of the mining regulations, police presence is much more needed in order for those areas to be managed properly.
He urged the ranks to maintain the equipment and ensure that they are used for the protection of citizens.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Persaud lauded the ministry and the GGMC for providing the equipment that is much needed in order for the force to carry out its duties.
He said that the donation represents contributions to two of the major challenges in policing the interior, and it also enhances collaboration among the force, the ministry, GGMC and GGDMA, and other stakeholders.
Persaud said that the approach to security within the interior has to be an integrated one, and the force has been facilitating the necessary training and providing the necessary equipment.
He believes that this effort will enhance inter-agency monitoring and enforcement efforts in the various mining districts to boost crime fighting.