– urged miners to sell gold through the Guyana Gold Board
His Excellency President Dr Irfaan Ali pledged sweeping reforms geared to empower miners in Puruni and Bartica during visits to the two Region Seven locations today.
High on the agenda for reformation was structured economic empowerment, infrastructural upgrades, and needed regulation, which he explained would ensure the sector contributes fairly to national development.
During his first stop at Puruni Landing, the Head of State stressed that success must go hand in hand with compliance.
He urged operators to sell gold through the Guyana Gold Board, noting that legal declarations not only strengthen the country’s economy but also give miners access to bank loans and housing finance. “We want you to be successful, but at the same time contribute to the development of our country.”
Within the next three to four weeks, teams from Government agencies and commercial banks will be dispatched to Puruni to help small miners open bank accounts, register operations, and secure digital ID cards. President Ali emphasised that declarations create opportunities: “Even if you make 100 ounces of gold in a year, that’s 100 ounces of income you show the bank. It unlocks opportunities for you to get a loan to buy an excavator.”
The President also announced plans to form a consortium of small miners to pool resources, reduce costs, and improve access to land allocations. He linked land distribution to production records and promised that miners who declare consistently will find it easier to secure new plots.
President Ali also committed to community development in Puruni. He spoke of plans to build a new health centre, a police outpost, sport facility, forestry office and to enhance the community’s firefighting capacity. He said discussions are under way to complete the Puruni Bridge and establish an airstrip nearby, both of which would ease transport and emergency response.
At Bartica, the President addressed a larger grouping of miners, including many medium and largescale operators. During his engagement, he reassured them that the Government is “not here to stop mining” but wants to see them register sustainable growth. “This Government wants to see every miner succeed.”
He emphasised the importance of financial literacy, urging miners to open bank accounts, save their money, and build credible balance sheets. He also highlighted the need to sell gold through the Guyana Gold Board and to work together through consortia to enhance not only profits but also opportunities.
The President said that he and his Government are fully aware of the sacrifices miners make, often away from their families, and urged them to make the necessary changes to ensure that their endeavours become viable and economically empowering. “We want you to be successful, we want you to own your homes across Guyana. We want you to have productive lives.”