Barama formulating MOU on use of roads by miners

http://www.stabroeknews.com/index.pl/article?id=56530182

Barama formulating MOU on use of roads by miners

Wednesday, October 3rd 2007
Stabroek News

Chairman of Barama Company Limited Girwar Lalaram has said that the company is seeking to put the proper mechanisms in place to monitor mining activities within the certified areas, with special emphasis on proper environmental practices and strict safety precautions using the roads. Recently, there has been a cry from the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners' Association stemming from Barama's denial of access to Buck Hall and other roads to miners who work in some of Barama's concession areas. Lalaram said that the company is concerned over the recent reports regarding the use of roads by miners. The company in a press release last week said that it is at present formulating a Memorandum of Under-standing with the Govern-ment and the Guyana Geology and Mines Com-mission in an effort to draft modalities and conditions to this effect. Barama said that it will issue a full statement upon the signing of the agreement. Meanwhile the PNCR said at its press conference on Thursday that the Govern-ment has procrastinated on the negotiations for a protocol for the use of hinterland roads and said that this has resulted in the controversy over miners' use of the Barama-constructed road in Region One (Barima/Waini). "A team appointed to undertake the negotiation of an MOU on the issue has failed to complete their task in a timely manner. The entire episode is a manifestation of poor governance". The party also called on the Bharrat Jagdeo Govern-ment to urgently involve all stakeholders in the development of a protocol for the use of hinterland roads. "This protocol should be one that is acceptable to all stakeholders. We believe that an approach, which is based on inclusiveness and a protocol that is reflective of all interests involved, is the only option for success," the party said. The PNCR said that it is resolutely committed to a development approach which explicitly recognises that the resources of the hinterland communities must reflect the beneficial effects of growth and prosperity for all Guyanese. In addition, the party advocates that enterprises operating in the hinterland must be treated fairly.