Illegal mining, logging continuing cause for concern in Iwokrama forest

other than the Centre, and all activities on the Programme Site shall be in accordance with regulations prescribed therefor under this Act.

Section 3 goes on to prescribe the penalties:

“Any person who contravenes the provisions of subsection (2) shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine of one hundred thousand dollars or to imprisonment for a period of one year, and where the offence is of a continuing nature, to a further fine not exceeding twenty-five thousand dollars for each day during which the offence continues after conviction.”

Iwokrama let it be known that it has previously already imposed penalties on one “errant” tourism operator who was caught illegally logging in the Iwokrama Forest and a gold miner who was arrested and placed before the courts. And as far as it is concerned, it has spent enough time and resources on education and awareness with regard to these illegal activities in the Iwokrama Forest. The Centre says it fully intends to continue its zero tolerance approach to these activities, especially the gold mining and logging operations.

The Centre’s monitoring team together with the regulatory institutions in Guyana, including but not limited to the Natural Resources Corps of Wardens, Guyana Police Service, the Guyana Forestry Commission, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission and the Environmental Protection Agency has committed to undertake regular monitoring and enforcement activities within the environs of the Iwokrama Forest. It will also be rigidly enforcing the prescribed penalties under the Iwokrama Act and other laws of Guyana to any person(s) found illegally operating in the Iwokrama

Forest.

In an effort to boost security, the Centre says it is installing cameras in certain areas and has also acquired a drone with facial recognition software for remote aerial monitoring. A monitoring station will also be strategically placed to monitor boat traffic in these areas.

Iwokrama expressed its belief in the development of the hinterland region of Guyana, which it acknowledges “provides livelihoods for many Guyanese,” but at the same time feels strongly that “all activities must be done within the confines of the laws of Guyana.”

The Centre is offering a reward for any information leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of persons(s) involved in illegal activities in the Iwokrama Forest. It will also be following up on information it received on specific mining operators who have been reported to be working in the Iwokrama Forest. Any arrests will be fully publicized.