Twenty-six dredges found at Kaieteur National Park – GDF

…calls for stronger action against miners operating illegally in the area  

Operation MIDAS launched by the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) recently, has unearthed some twenty-six illegal dredges along with other pieces of mining equipment and environmental pollutants such as Mercury, Waste Oil and Silicone, which were being used indiscriminately by miners on and around the Kaieteur National Park, according to the GDF. 

These illegal activities are the cause of the degradation plaguing the Park. As such, the GDF has reiterated its call for the eradication of illegal mining and environmental degradation at the park and pledged its support to the Protected Areas Commission and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) to purge same.

The GDF has therefore recommended that billboards be erected to sensitise visitors and the public in general on the delineation of the park and prohibited conduct. It is also calling for improved monitoring of all aircraft landing at the location and the scrutiny of any accompanying cargo.

In order to bring the situation under control, the GDF has suggested that stronger actions be taken against those persons caught carrying out any illegal activities on or around the park; such as the prosecution of all dredge owners whose equipment were seized by GGMC.

The GDF says it remains resolute in its stance to restore the park to its former glory and promises to continue providing surveillance to that particular area and other areas similarly affected.