Small-scale miners across Guyana are facing what is being called blatant political manipulation and systematic harassment, with their livelihoods reportedly being jeopardised just weeks before the Christmas season. According to We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) party, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) government and the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) distributed dredge engines and mining supplies to small miners months before the elections—a move widely perceived as a political gimmick. Yet now, those same miners are allegedly having the equipment seized.
WIN, in a social media post, highlighted serious concerns over the dominance of the Alphonso family in Guyana’s gold sector, alleging that the GGDMA board has included nine members of the Alphonso family since its inception, and that they are among the country’s largest gold miners. Allegations have emerged that Ronaldo Alphonso is issuing fraudulent work permits to miners on his land, and that those who discover significant quantities of gold may see GGMC officials sent in, allegedly at his behest, to verify permits and remove miners from the area.
Reports from small miners in the Puruni Backdam, Region 7, paint a troubling picture. Many describe intimidation, seizures of equipment, and arbitrary removal from mining sites without proper notice or explanation. Miners insist that they are operating with permission from the landowner, whether through verbal agreements or informal documentation. Yet they are being denied access to the tools and sites they were previously given, threatening their ability to provide for their families during the holiday season.
WIN stressed the critical role small miners play in Guyana’s economy, noting that these workers contribute significantly through equipment purchases, gold production, income circulation in hinterland communities, and support for dependent families and local businesses. “To undermine small miners’ ability to work is to undermine Guyana’s economy,” the organisation said.
In light of these reports, WIN called on Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, to act decisively. “We demand that the government provide land to small-scale miners so that they can ply their trade and operate fairly, challenging what miners describe as unchecked greed and selective enforcement,” WIN said.
Gold remains a critical pillar of Guyana’s economy, contributing nearly US $1 billion in export earnings annually. In 2024, the sector generated approximately US $989.9 million in revenue, marking an increase of about US $181 million over 2023, and solidifying its role as one of the country’s top non-oil exports. Mining, including gold, accounted for around 8.3% of Guyana’s GDP and roughly 58.2% of non-oil export earnings, highlighting its significance beyond the oil sector. Beyond its financial contribution, gold mining supports hinterland communities, drives local economic activity, and provides livelihoods for thousands of small and medium-scale miners across the country.
