Ryan Cummings

Release Date: April 23, 2022 The document from Policy Forum Guyana (PFG) addresses the appointment of the Board of Directors for the Natural Resources Fund (NRF) in Guyana. PFG welcomes the board’s formation but criticizes the lack of transparency and explanation regarding the selection process, particularly the inclusion of UK citizen David Lammy MP and […]

Release Date: March 23, 2018 The document is a press release where NGOs in Guyana welcome President David Granger’s commitment to protecting the country’s rivers, which are part of the Guiana Shield and a significant source of the world’s freshwater reserves. The release highlights the issues of river pollution from mining activities, particularly by illegal

Release Date: May 1, 2020 The document expresses concerns from various organizations about the designation of mining and petroleum as essential services in Guyana during the Covid-19 pandemic. It highlights the potential risks this poses to interior communities, including increased disease transmission and environmental damage. The organizations call for the removal of mining from the

Release Date: May 30, 2020 The document criticizes the Guyana Gold & Diamond Miners Association’s (GGDMA) claim that mining is an essential service, arguing that it primarily benefits a small number of wealthy individuals rather than providing a critical service to all citizens. It highlights the poorly regulated mining industry’s lack of transparency and accountability,

Release Date: March 21, 2021 The document is a press release about the “Make Guyana A Racism Free Zone” campaign, launched by Guyanese youth on the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 20211. The campaign encourages organizations to sign a Pledge Certificate committing to discourage racist behaviors and promote racial harmony2. The pledge

Release Date: June 1, 2019 The document discusses the conflict between Guyana’s climate commitments and its burgeoning oil and gas industry. It highlights how the country’s carbon footprint is set to increase dramatically due to oil production, despite its previous leadership in climate action. The text criticizes the government for prioritizing extractive industries over environmental

Release Date: March 29, 2018 The document is a press release calling for humanitarian procedures for Venezuelans in Guyana. It highlights the influx of Venezuelan migrants, including those of Guyanese origin, due to Venezuela’s economic crisis. The release urges Guyana to adopt policies similar to other South American countries, providing temporary residence and work rights

Release Date: June 5, 2018 The document discusses the serious health and environmental risks posed by mercury use in Guyana’s gold mining industry. It criticizes the lack of a systematic response to mercury-related health issues among Gold Board workers and the general complacency towards the dangers of mercury exposure. The text calls for comprehensive measures

Release Date: March 2, 2023 The document discusses the temporary suspension of Guyana from the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) due to the government’s non-compliance with the EITI standard. It emphasizes the importance of the Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) and the need for democratic decision-making processes within the GYEITI. The document criticizes the Guyanese government for

Release Date: August 24, 2019 This press release from Policy Forum Guyana dated August 24, 2019, expressing concerns about environmental policies related to mining and river protection in Guyana. It highlights the technical capabilities of the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Guyana Geology & Mines Commission to monitor deforestation and river dredging, but criticizes