We wish to endorse the resumption of small-scale mining in South Rupununi

while openly engaging in self-interest activities. Further, I was advised that the decision to resume small-scale mining was a long and consultative process, which included the small miners who are also indigenous, the Regional Democratic Council, Rupununi Miners Association and Romanex/Aurous, and the mining regulatory agency.

It must be noted that the “small miners” are from the South Rupununi and the surrounding indigenous communities stand to benefit the most from the resumption of small-scale mining activities. This will be in the form of employment and provision of goods and services that are necessary to sustain small-scale mining operations.

Finally, all I ask is for the SRDC to be more honest, diligent and wholehearted in representing the interest of all the indigenous people not only South Rupununi but all of Guyana. I wish to restate that the SDRC will be unmasked for their duplicity and self-interest by denying employment and other opportunities to my fellow indigenous brothers and sisters. Therefore, on my own behalf and also those not openly able to state their support, we wish to endorse the resumption of small-scale mining and exploration activities for the benefit of all indigenous communities within South Rupununi. The government through the Ministry of Natural Resources, the regulatory agency, and collaboratively with other stakeholders acted wisely in the interest of our indigenous brothers and sisters of South Rupununi and all of Region 9.