Latest update April 24th, 2024 12:59 AM
Apr 03, 2012 News
– facing major disciplinary actions
A major shakeup continues to be on at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) with a Mines Officer now in hot water for allegedly conducting illegal cavity searches on female passengers passing through a hinterland checkpoint.
An official of the recently launched Women Miners’ Association said that the shocking searches on the women were allegedly done under the pretext of searching for gold and precious stones at the Itaballi Outpost, Region Seven. The area is renowned for its mining activities.
Officials of the GGMC confirmed that the department has almost completed investigations and that disciplinary actions will soon be taken against the officer. The officer has since been placed on desk duty and half-pay.
According to the official from the association, following numerous complaints, it wrote to the Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment seeking his intervention. This was after complaints were made to GGMC but there were no immediate actions.
Kaieteur News was told that the GGMC officer has also been accused of asking miners for bribes and would even allegedly use force.. The actions are totally against the procedures of the Commission, this newspaper was told.
It was noted that while the office of GGMC has authority to conduct random searches on persons passing the checkpoints, it would be totally inappropriate for men to conduct searches on women.
At least one embarrassed female has lodged complaints with the GGMC and the Women Miners Association, Kaieteur News was told.
There were also allegations that some miners, intent on defrauding the state, would prefer to deal with specific mines officers to benefit from favours and other benefits.
Recently, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment also announced that it was investigating a possible fraud at GGMC and an overseas-based mining company after a refund was reportedly paid out in a highly questionable manner to a staffer of that company who has since disappeared.
There is a major restructuring process underway at GGMC with Karen Livan, a long time staffer recently confirmed as the Commissioner.
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