CARICOM extends condolences to Guyana on mining tragedy

Last Updated on Thursday, 21 May 2015, 18:22 by GxMedia

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has extended condolences to the Government and people of Guyana following the mining disaster in Konawaruk on Sunday, 17 May, that claimed the lives of at least ten miners.

The Community has also wished a speedy and full recovery to miners who were injured.

The Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) and the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) have separately expressed concern about the fact that a High Court injunction had obstructed mining inspectors from the state’s regulatory agency from clamping down on a breach of the regulations.

The association and the commission have attributed the accident to poor practices in digging the mining pit compounded by heavy rainfall at Pepper Creek, Konawaruk in Region Eight- Potaro-Siparuni.

Please see below full text of the message of condolence:

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) extends heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Guyana and the relatives of those who perished in the mining disaster at Konawaruk on Sunday, 17 May. 

The thoughts and prayers of the Community are with the bereaved relatives while we wish the injured a speedy and full recovery.  In expressing our solidarity with the people of Guyana, the Community is confident that their resilience will ensure they survive this arduous test.