Adequate security for miners in the interior has been a constant topic for conversation whenever the Small Miners Association Guyana Incorporated (SMAGI) meets with authorities; the latest being a meeting with President Irfaan Ali a few days ago where the issue again came up and promises were again made to ramp up security efforts.
Chairman of SMAGI David Daniels yesterday told Kiskadee Watch that he again called for additional police checkpoints, mobile checkpoints and increased patrols in areas where miners operate, noting that a stronger security presence could deter criminal activities and improve safety.
He said the Association has repeatedly raised miners’ security concerns with Ali and Minister of Natural Resources Vickram Bharrat, arguing that the rise in gold prices has attracted more criminal elements into the mining sector, leading to increased robberies targeting legitimate miners.
According to him, both sides at the meeting agreed that protecting miners is a priority, with the President indicating that efforts would be made to improve security arrangements for miners.
Ormyous Vieira, a security guard accused of killing gold miner Ceton Mark Courtman, appeared at the Bartica Magistrate’s Court last week and was not required to plead to a murder charge.
Courtman, 32, of Saint Monica, Upper Pomeroon, was shot dead following an argument when he went up to the camp around 11:50 hours for lunch.
A worker who witnessed the killing told Kiskadee Watch, on condition of anonymity, that a security guard had demanded “blai” gold from Courtman, who refused to hand it over. The guard then kicked Courtman to the ground before shooting him in the head.
`Blai’ gold refers to the small amount of gold that miners are traditionally allowed to keep for themselves after a washdown. It is usually collected from the residual gold left in the sluice box, mats, pipes or other mining equipment and is often regarded as a bonus or share for workers, separate from their wages.
Daniels said the killing of miner Mohamed Sheriff and his colleague Donovan Washington in March 2024 underscored the need for enhanced security, noting that even licensed firearm holders remain vulnerable to criminal attacks. He added that robberies in mining areas remain a persistent concern and are regularly reported by miners.
Commenting on the recent fatal shooting of gold miner Courtman, Daniels condemned the incident and urged security personnel to exercise restraint and caution, stressing that people’s lives are more important than profit. He said the Association supports a full police investigation and believes justice should be served.
While acknowledging that security arrangements have improved over time in the interior, the Chairman said there remains significant room for improvement, adding that the Association will continue working with the Guyana Police Force, the Ministry of Natural Resources and other stakeholders to strengthen security across the mining sector.
Daniels said the Association supports any law enforcement initiative aimed at removing criminal elements from the mining industry and believes the Joint Services should play a greater role in securing mining districts, as the Guyana Police Force alone is stretched across the country’s vast interior.
He said the organisation supports granting legal firearms to legitimate mining operations to protect their employees and property, provided operators possess the necessary mining licences and gold declaration records.
Bharrat did not respond to requests yesterday for comment on what measures are being considered to strengthen security for miners in the area.
Managing Director of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association Avalon Jagnandan also declined to comment but referred Kiskadee Watch to a press release the company issued recently addressing bad weather and its effects on the mining industry.
The release that he shared stated in part that “the increase in criminal activity in certain areas within the hinterland is also dampening the spirit of vulnerable miners operating in these areas.”
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