-after previous denial
APNU Member of Parliament Terrence Campbell has written to the Ministry of Natural Resources seeking what he termed “unhindered access” to the Marudi mining district for a fact-finding mission, while raising concerns about alleged safety violations, illegal mining activities, gold smuggling and the treatment of small miners operating in the area.
In a June 15 letter to Permanent Secretary Joslyn McKenzie and in a subsequent video statement on Facebook, Campbell said he is requesting approval for a delegation of parliamentarians, trade unionists, mining experts and members of the media to visit the area in September.
The proposed visit follows an incident on March 26 when Campbell said he and fellow MPs Sharma Solomon, Saiku Andrews and Sherod Duncan were prevented from entering the Marudi mines area by Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Newell Dennison.
According to Campbell, the team had intended to meet with residents and miners who had raised complaints about activities in the area.
“The intention of our visit was to engage with local residents following the receipt of several complaints,” Campbell wrote, adding that the group had no intention of participating in mining activities or interfering with operations.
He contended that the refusal to allow entry was “baseless and unlawful.”
In the video statement, Campbell alleged that Dennison, told the MPs that approximately US$5 million in gold was being smuggled out of Guyana daily. Campbell further stated that the commissioner expressed fears for his personal safety because of the presence of armed individuals linked to mining operations in the area.
Campbell also renewed criticism of the Rupununi Miners Association (RMA), which he said had defended the decision to deny the MPs entry to the mining district on the grounds of safety concerns.
In his letter, Campbell noted that the association had been struck from the register of the Ministry of Labour in 2023 but continues to operate within the Marudi mining district.
The MP further questioned claims by the association that it had maintained an accident-free record since October 2024, citing the reported electrocution death of a Brazilian miner in the area on April 5 this year.
“Clearly all is not well in terms of the safety of the people working in the Marudi mines area,” Campbell said in the video.
He also alleged that undocumented foreign nationals are working in the district and claimed that some individuals involved in mining operations are wanted by law enforcement authorities in Brazil.
Campbell additionally referenced videos circulating on social media which purport to show small miners complaining about the actions of a businessman who Campbell described as a prominent figure in the RMA.
In the letter, Campbell stated that video evidence and community reports alleged that the businessman had seized equipment belonging to small miners and shut down their operations, causing financial hardship. He also cited reports of road damage allegedly caused by tankers servicing mining operations during the rainy season.
Campbell said the proposed September visit would seek to inspect mining operations, review occupational health and safety practices, assess compliance with mining laws and investigate allegations relating to the seizure of equipment, illegal employment, environmental degradation and risks to residents.
The delegation would also seek meetings with small miners, community members and enforcement officials, according to the letter.
Campbell requested written approval for a delegation of up to ten persons to enter and move freely within the Marudi mines area and asked that the ministry coordinate with regional and law enforcement authorities to facilitate the visit.
“This is our duty to the citizens of this country,” Campbell said. “Under no circumstances should we be prevented from entering Marudi.”
He added that the team intends to gather information on mining operations, safety conditions and allegations of gold smuggling in the area.
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