Opposition Member of Parliament Raphael Trotman today commended the government for various measures in the budget aimed at revitalizing the extractive industries sector.
At the same time, however, Trotman took time to sound a word of caution when it comes to the government’s approach.
“I take a moment to commend some of the emergency measures introduced to assist the forestry and mining sectors, in these difficult Covid times,” Trotman said.
“However, we must sound a note of caution. While we incentivise miners, we must be mindful of the environmental impact and indigenous communities near to them.”
He was at the time opening the 2020 budget debates currently ongoing at the Arthur Chung Conference Center.
Citing the high price for gold, Trotman expressed fear that the measures could spark a gold rush. He therefore cautioned the government to do the necessary monitoring to avoid this from happening.
Making good on an issue it campaigned on and criticised the former APNU/AFC Government for, the President Dr Irfaan Ali-led Government had rolled back the imposition of Value Added Tax (VAT) and duties on mining equipment.
