…can be prosecuted, equipment seized
Miners and loggers carrying out illegal operations within designated protected areas have been called on by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Protected Areas Commission (PAC) to cease immediately or charges will be brought against them.
In a statement on Monday, the Ministry listed these protected areas as the Kaieteur National Park, Iwokrama, Kanuku Mountains, Shell Beach, and the Kanashen Amerindian Protected Areas.
“The Ministry of Natural Resources, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission, the Guyana Forestry Commission and the Protected Areas Commission continue to receive reports of illegal mining and logging in Protected Areas, particularly Kanuku Mountains, Iwokrama and Kaieteur National Park,” the statement indicated.
“Please note, these illegal activities are not in keeping with the various Acts that govern these regulatory agencies. As such, seizure of all equipment and legal actions will be instituted to prosecute those found guilty.”
Meanwhile, other stakeholders and members of the public have been encouraged to report suspected cases or incidences of illegal mining and logging to the various agencies or the Ministry of Natural Resources.
