APNU Member of Parliament, Sharma Solomon is calling for greater scrutiny of the financial networks behind illegal mining in Guyana, arguing that the issue should no longer be treated solely as an environmental offence.
Solomon’s comments come against the backdrop of a recent warning from INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza that criminal organisations across the Americas are increasingly moving proceeds from the cocaine trade into illegal gold mining.
For Solomon, the warning raises a broader question about who is financing illegal mining operations in Guyana and who ultimately benefits from the gold produced through those activities.
He argues that enforcement cannot stop at the seizure of dredges or illegal mining equipment.
“The question then must be, ‘Are we policing the visible miner while the people financing the operation remain untouched?’” Solomon said.
The Opposition MP said Guyanese have long been aware of concerns about illegal activities surrounding the gold sector, including alleged links involving cocaine, fuel and smuggling.
He contends that the authorities must therefore investigate the financial structures supporting illegal mining and determine who finances the operations, who purchases the gold and how the proceeds are moved.
Solomon is also questioning the level of information-sharing among agencies responsible for natural resources, taxation, customs, financial intelligence and law enforcement.
He said the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, Financial Intelligence Unit, Customs, Guyana Revenue Authority and the police must work together, along with international law-enforcement agencies, to identify and disrupt financial networks connected to illegal mining.
The MP is further calling on the Government of Guyana to provide the public with detailed information on its enforcement efforts.
Among the figures he wants made public are the number of illegal mining operations dismantled, seizures conducted, prosecutions initiated and financial investigations carried out.
According to Solomon, such information would allow the public to assess whether enforcement is effectively targeting those behind illegal mining operations rather than only the individuals found operating at mining sites.
He is urging the Government to ensure that Guyana’s natural resources are protected from exploitation by organised criminal networks while also safeguarding legitimate miners operating within the law.
Solomon’s position is that authorities must look beyond the visible illegal mining activity and investigate the money, businesses and individuals that may be facilitating or benefiting from the illicit trade.
