Miners opening bank accounts with ease in Region Seven

For years, opening a bank account meant a long, costly trip out of the mining districts and into Georgetown. This week in Puruni, Region Seven, that changed.

Just weeks after President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali stood before miners in the community on February 6 and promised to expand financial access, government agencies have delivered — bringing banking services directly to the heart of the mining area.

The Ministry of Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) and the Small Miners Association, has launched a two-day outreach to help miners open accounts with accredited financial institutions. The exercise began on Thursday and continues on Friday from 08:00 hrs to 12:00 hrs.

For many miners, this is more than paperwork — it’s opportunity.

Under current regulations, miners applying for or renewing a mining permit or dredge licence must have a bank account at an accredited institution. Previously, meeting this requirement often meant losing workdays and spending money to travel to the city. By bringing the service directly to Puruni, the government has removed a major barrier for small and medium-scale operators.

Among those welcoming the move is James Brown, a miner originally from the Rupununi who now works in Puruni. He said the initiative is both timely and practical, especially for miners who simply cannot afford to leave their operations to travel.

He also reflected on the President’s recent visit to the area.

“For the very first time, I feel so happy to see the President face to face in Puruni,” Brown said during the February 6 outreach, where he posed for a photo with Dr Ali.

Brown believes that initiatives like these — along with improved infrastructure and stronger security presence — can significantly improve life and work in the mining district.

The banking outreach forms part of the government’s broader push to support miners while strengthening compliance with national regulations. But for the miners lining up in Puruni this week, it’s also a sign that development is reaching them — where they are, and when they need it most. [Extracted and modified from DPI]