More tax breaks, more lands, more roads & bridges to develop mining in new term – Pres. Ali

The governing People’s Progressive Party (PPP) plans to expand the mining sector through significant tax relief, infrastructure development, and community support in its next term in government, President Irfaan Ali said on Saturday night as he addressed a re-election rally in Bartica.

He said this will be done while rolling out a comprehensive development plan for Region Seven (Cuyuni-Mazaruni), the heartland of the country’s mining activities. At the core of the PPP’s strategy are a series of tax incentives aimed at boosting profitability for miners.

“We are going to remove all the remaining taxes on ATVs, we are going to lower the taxes on four-door pickups, and we’re going to remove the taxes on marine outboard engines up to 150 horsepower,” President Ali declared. He emphasised that small miners, forest operators, and community forest organisations would benefit directly from these measures.

The government also plans to assist small-scale operators in accessing capital and equipment to work their lands legally and profitably.

“We want to invest in you, help you own your own equipment, help you get the necessary financing,” said the President. He stressed the importance of licensed gold sales, urging miners to “make your gold, but to ensure that you sell it legally to established and licensed operators.”

Beyond tax relief, the PPP intends to open hundreds of thousands of new acres of land for forestry and mining, coupled with investments in modern technology and safety protocols.

“We will invest to give you the best technology in the areas you explore… and we want to work with all the miners on a comprehensive safety plan,” Ali said.

Infrastructure development features prominently in the government’s plans, with projects including road construction and bridge building to reduce transportation costs and improve market access. He said new roads, such as Goshen and Sand Hill, will not only connect communities but also open more land.

President Ali also outlined extensive regional development initiatives, encompassing improved housing, sanitation, education, healthcare, and security. He said the government has developed regional action plans based on direct community consultations, focusing on economic expansion, infrastructure, and social services tailored to local needs.

The mining boom is expected to drive significant job creation, with two of South America’s largest mines scheduled to begin operations this year, one of them in Region Seven, opening employment opportunities for 1,000 local workers.

“We are the party for the workers, the farmers, men, women, children, the private sector, businesses,” said Dr Ali, appealing to voters ahead of September’s elections to support the PPP for stability and continued development.