Following a directive by His Excellency, President David Arthur Granger, to launch an inquiry into the collapse of mining pits, Minister of Governance, Hon. Raphael Trotman, MP, on Friday held the initial meeting with the members of the Committee to layout the mandate.
The issue of safety in the mining sector is one paramount importance to the Government of Guyana. In recent times, a number of reports have reached the Ministry of the Presidency and the general public about the collapse of pits and other incidents resulting in injury and in some cases, deaths of miners.
The appointed members of the Committee are knowledgeable and competent in their respective fields and include:
- Chairman – Dr. Grantley Waldron
- Member – Mr. Colin Sparman, Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Assoc.
- Member – Representative , Ministry of Social Protection (Labour Dept)
- Technical Advisor – Mr. Jo Bayah
The COI will commence on July 1, 2015 and upon completion on July 31, 2015, they are to submit to the Minister of Governance, a full report detailing the findings along with recommendations for Cabinet’s deliberation on the immediate and long-term actions to be implemented, for the enhancement of the health and safety of the labour force of the mining sector. (Ministry of the Presidency-June 27, 2015)
