The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) have yet to issue a formal response to the specific allegations of illegal gold smuggling or the legal grounds for the refusal to grant entry to the APNU Members of Parliament to Bush Mouth Sub Station, Rupununi.
A standoff occurred at the entrance to the Marudi settlement in Region 9, where a parliamentary delegation, comprising Terrence Campbell, Saiku Andrews, Sherod Duncan, and Sharma Solomon, was blocked by locked gates and Guyana GGMC officials.
The MPs, who are conducting nationwide “street parliaments,” stated they were visiting to discuss the high cost of living and the national budget with their constituents.
MP Campbell leveled explosive accusations against the current administration, claiming that the Marudi Mountain mining rights have been seized by specific Guyanese interests in collusion with foreign elements. Campbell alleged that approximately $5 million USD in gold is being extracted and smuggled out of the area daily, often via helicopter. Efforts made to garner a comment from GGMC Commissioner Newell Dennison proved futile.
“The Brazilians have the authority to come into the Marudi settlement… they are enjoying the best of Guyana,” Campbell stated, further alleging that Brazilian criminals wanted in their home country are operating behind the barricades. He described the situation as a “rape on the Guyanese economy” that the government is allegedly attempting to hide from legislative scrutiny.
The delegation reported that GGMC Commissioner Newell Dennison personally informed them that permission to enter could not be granted. The MPs rejected this, asserting that no law exists allowing the GGMC to block elected officials from meeting with farmers and miners.
“This is the first time in almost six months… that I have been blocked anywhere in Guyana,” Campbell remarked, labeling the move “anti-democratic” and “dictatorial.”
The MPs highlighted the dire economic conditions in the “far-flung” region, where basic goods like mineral water reportedly cost $500 per can. MP Saiku Andrews noted that the blockade prevents them from assessing malnutrition and standard of living issues affecting the indigenous community.
The delegation also pointed to a Guyanese fuel truck driver who had been stranded at the barricade for three days, unable to conduct business. “Investment that cannot give him a return,” Andrews noted, “because somebody doesn’t want him to go in.” The opposition team has vowed to return, stating they will not be intimidated by what they describe as “bars to democracy.” They indicated that legal action in the courts may be the next step to affirm the rights of the legislative arm to access all parts of the country.
