‘Get it in writing’ – Minister Bharrat urges Indigenous leaders to formalise mining agreements

Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, during this year’s National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference, advised Indigenous leaders against entering into verbal agreements with investors seeking to conduct gold mining in their communities.

Instead, the minister stated that all agreements should be written and fairly negotiated to ensure benefits for the community. He further urged the Indigenous leaders to inform authorities about mining agreements and seek the government’s help in monitoring these activities to safeguard the environment.

“There are many investors coming to your communities now, in some parts of Brazil, they banned mining and those operators and investors are now coming to Guyana looking for opportunities, it is not a secret it is a fact,” Minister Bharrat said.

He warned the Indigenous leaders that these investors, specifically Brazilians, may not have the requisite permission to conduct mining in Guyana.

“I want to state clearly that we have no issue with Brazil or Brazilians. I am not saying to shut out people but I am saying we must do it properly because many villages here including the Marudi area, have Brazilian investors,” the minister explained.

He urged the Indigenous communities to handle investor partnerships properly, ensure all partnerships are governed by written contracts, and that the agreements are clear and fairly negotiated.

“Don’t do a word of mouth agreement, ensure you have a written, black and white agreement and ensure you negotiate with whatever investor coming for proper benefits for your community. If you need help, let us know,” he told the conference.

Minister Bharrat further advised the leaders not to be forced into or enter any agreement that would not be beneficial to their communities.

Additionally, he told the Indigenous leaders to inform the Ministry of Natural Resources or other relevant authorities about mining agreements.

“We have had cases where a few Toshaos and village councils would have enter into agreement with investors, however, things went a bit sour and only then we were made aware of it,” he explained.

He added that when the government is involved, support will be provided to help monitor activities and prevent environmental damage such as pollution and deforestation.

“We have no objection into you entering into agreement but we must know, we must be a part of it, we will help you to monitor that mining activity,” the minister said.