Persaud denies mining sector is a “Lawless Zone”

 

By Tracey Khan – Drakes

[www.inewsguyana.com] – Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud has debunked claims that the mining sector is a “lawless zone.”

He has since challenged those making the allegations to provide proof of such.

“Whoever is making those assertions is out of touch with reality and I would invite them for a presentation with the technical officers and I would also encourage them to be part of the mining week activities because we will be going to all of the mining districts,” Persaud said at a press conference on Friday, July 25.

He defended miners noting that “I don’t think anyone in this room here can understand and appreciate how hard it is to be engaged in the risk you’re exposed to.”

The sector he admitted is not without its challenges, however he questioned, “where else aren’t there infractions in other sections of the Guyanese community?”

The Minister also made reference to the stigma attached to mining by the media in some cases.

Minister Persaud highlighted additional mechanisms that will be adopted to further bring miners into full compliance with the sectors regulations and policies.

He noted that they continue to push the sector which is driving the national economy and they want to see it thrive and grow and “not to become an object of insult”.