Dear Editor,
The serious health and environmental risks associated with uranium mining and the poor track record of the government’s ability to safeguard our people against environmental and health hazards from the mining of aluminum, gold and manganese should raise the alarm within our nation. Mercury poisoning at the Gold Board that led to the death of an employee, the Omai cyanide spill, the ongoing kidney failure issues near bauxite mining sites, the presence of extracted manganese near the property of a farmer and the emergency evacuation of Chinese workers in the sector are all signs of serious mismanagement and an inability to effectively prevent and control the environmental and health risks associated with the extraction of these substances.
Within the sector, the announced pursuit of uranium mining is to date the most serious hazardous activity to be undertaken. The planned extraction of uranium brings with it radioactive waste that causes cancer. The release of radon gas and radium are toxic and leads to the contamination of ground water, creates respiratory issues, and damages kidneys. There is a history of health problems caused by the mining of this material in better equipped countries where their EPA (environmental protection agency) and government are more advanced in the monitoring and safeguarding of the environment.
Given the historical issues faced within the mining sector in Guyana and the continued negligence that has resulted in unsafe mining practices persisting, CRG cannot in good conscience support the addition of uranium to the list of mining activities in our beautiful homeland. It is vitally important that we remain very selective in our pursuit of the nation’s income, and we must know when to say no to opportunities that will inevitably result in the destruction of our environment and that will eventually cause the health of our people to be severely impacted.
The government should be taking this opportunity for economic recovery and development to discuss, develop, and implement improvements and best practices in the mining sector that will prevent the increase in environmental pollution and exposure of our people to serious health risks. It is time to slow down and get it done correctly. The price of many of these products will continue to increase. There is no rush! Gold is a great example of how value continues to rise. Prohibit the use of mercury and implement effective safeguards throughout the sector to ensure the safety of our people and the continued viability of our land. We are a small nation and can only do so much. The scale of many of these undertakings should reflect our size and what we have the capacity to effectively manage. Being unrealistic and aggressive in the pursuit of riches must be tempered by the reality of what we can effectively control. Healthy people and healthy land are not resources that are easy to come by. They must be valued, respected and appreciated. Otherwise, what is gained in their neglect will be lost in their pursuit.
Best regards,
Mr. Jamil Changlee
Chairman
The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana
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