The Office of the Leader of the Opposition in Guyana has called for an urgent investigation into reports of alleged illegal mining activities in the Mazaruni area. The Office expressed concerns regarding what it describes as unequal enforcement of mining laws.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Office indicated that it had received reports of large-scale mining equipment being mobilized and deployed in an area associated with Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed. This raised questions about the legality of the operations.
The Office claimed that the matter had already been reported to relevant authorities but alleged that no visible enforcement action has been taken. It noted that this situation contrasts with recent government operations that targeted small and medium-scale miners, including Indigenous miners, where authorities conducted raids, seized equipment, and pursued court actions.
The Opposition argued that the apparent difference in response raises questions about the consistency of law enforcement by regulatory agencies. The statement highlighted concerns about a potential double standard, suggesting that state institutions may be used against political opponents while others operate without repercussions.
The Office called on the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Guyana Police Force to disclose any investigations conducted regarding the reported activities. It also requested information on enforcement measures taken and the authority under which the operations are allegedly continuing.
Additionally, the statement warned that prolonged inaction could undermine public confidence in regulatory institutions. The Office emphasized that every hour without enforcement action further erodes trust in the integrity of the regulatory system.
Beyond legal concerns, the Opposition expressed worries about potential environmental consequences linked to the alleged mining operations. Residents have reported issues such as possible water pollution, environmental degradation, and threats to nearby agricultural activities.
The Office urged authorities to address these environmental concerns to prevent long-term damage. It argued that if agencies were willing to deploy extensive resources against smaller operators in previous enforcement actions, the public should expect a similar response to allegations of unlawful mining.
The statement concluded by urging authorities to act impartially and in accordance with the law, regardless of political considerations. At the time of publication, government agencies named in the statement had not publicly responded to the allegations.
Source: hgptv.com
