The Ministry of Natural Resources has ordered an immediate probe into an incident showing armed foreigners assaulting local miners.
A statement from the Ministry on Monday stated that it has “noted with deep concern and strong consternation” a video circulating on social media which appears to show a confrontation at a mining location between an alleged foreigner and Guyanese miner.
According to the Ministry, the video clearly shows that the alleged foreigner is armed with a firearm and behaving in an aggressive, hostile and condescending manner towards the man who appears to be a Guyanese national.
“The images are disturbing on many levels and raise issues about security, the authority of foreigners to carry arms and conflict resolution in the mining sector,” the Government statement outlined.
As such, subject Minister, Raphael Trotman has instructed the Commissioner of the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the Director of the Corps of Wardens to launch an immediate investigation to ascertain the veracity of the video and to solicit the support of the Guyana Police Force in their investigation. A report is expected within 48 hours.
