The Federation of Mining Operators of Guyana (FedomG) blocked the entrance to the National Forestry Office (ONF) in Cayenne this Monday morning. The FedomG intended to protest against measures taken by the ONF which prevent their installation in certain areas. Their movement found a favorable response: an appointment was given to them by the general secretariat of the prefecture, probably next Wednesday. The blockade was lifted before noon.
“We are not closed for discussion, but we are not closed for further blockages. » The tone is set by Thierry Favaretto, mining operator, member of FedomG. This morning, the Federation of Mining Operators of Guyana blocked the entrance to the ONF. A movement reminiscent of their blocking of the Labor Directorate a fortnight ago. “We are business leaders, we are not here to block. If we do it, it's because we have no other solution. This movement is a signal that we are giving to the prefecture. 15 days ago we blocked the Labor Directorate. This time we came with equipment to show what we are capable of doing, in terms of blocking.
For José Mariéma, president of FedomG, this operation carried out this Monday morning was carefully considered “There have been a lot of problems with this state service for years”. On our antenna, the president of the mining operators denounces methods considered “riders”. For the FeddomG, the ONF “takes sides on issues” where it shouldn't. José Mariéma cites, for example, the choice of the ONF to classify as ZIE (Zone of Ecological Interest) plots which, previously, had already been included in the territory's gold mining plan. “the ONF allows itself to block areas for 40 years. We are prohibited from going there even though these areas had already been marked for the mine. These areas are then pillaged by illegal gold panning. This is a very simple example that leads us into a wall. »
“We just ask for common sense, insists Thierry Favaretto. When we are promised something, the promises must be kept: that the areas included in the Sdom (Departmental Mining Orientation Plan) continue to be so.”
“We want to raise a cry of alarm, José Mariéma insists and ask how it is possible that today, France and Guyana accept the pillaging of their resources. It is the only place in Europe where armed gangs pillage, pollute and kill. And we watch. We are here. Everything is fine. » According to information from FedomG, between 12 and 13 tonnes of gold are looted by illegal immigrants. “That’s a billion euros that Guyana is losing, deplores José Mariéma. We are there, we wait, we do nothing, officials come from the Metropolis and decide to block areas which are favorable to illegal gold panning. What we are asking is to let us work. We are not asking for aid, we are just asking for this: let the Guyanese work. »
Despite today's blockage, FedomG ensures that dialogue has not broken down between it, the Territorial Collectivity of Guyana (CTG) and the State. Proof of this is the meeting last Saturday which, after eight months of work, resulted in the drafting of a document which sets the objectives and regulations for the primary mine in Guyana.
“It is a strategy worked on by the entire sector, whether for artisans, small businesses or tomorrow large industrial companies, develops José Mariéma. We have a vision until 2060. We have been developing this project for eight months and it has finally come to fruition and today we have a document on which we can discuss. Things are progressing but not as we want. »
The meeting promised by the prefecture with the ONF should take place during the week, probably Wednesday.
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