Regional Chairman of Region 9, Bryan Allicock, and his wife.
A Mining Agreement inked between “Sol Nascente Inc” and the NDC of Aranaputa Village, North Rupununi, Region 9, Guyana, South America has been cancelled today, 18th of March, 2025, after the Regional Chairman, Mr. Bryan Allicock, backed by indigenous and regional groups, and the general population of Region 9, objected to mining the area. Prominent non-profit destination management group, Visit Rupununi, was one of the most influential voices to join the Regional Chairman.
Signing of the agreement on March 11, 2025
The Agreement between Sol Nascente Inc. and the NDC (Neighborhood Democratic Council) of Aranaputa Valley was reportedly signed on the 11th of March, 2025. Sol Nascente is a foreign based company. Signing the agreement were NDC Chair Gillian Rodrigues and Sol’s Director Luis Antonio. Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai and Legal Officer from the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs Miriam Andrew-Ming witnessed the simple ceremony, according to the Government’s Department of Public Information (DPI).
Shortly after the news hit the press however, there was a loud uproar, especially from influential persons and groups in Region 9. The residents objected on the grounds of potential negative impact of mining on the lives of indigenous residents of the area including destruction of habitats and ecosystems, flooding, and water pollution.
Historically, gold mining activities in hinterland regions have brought minimal benefits to the indigenous population who inhabit those areas. Even worse, it is perceived as having a negative impact on the lives of the indigenous peoples.
Mining, which has the potential to destroy the environment, conflicts with the core values of many indigenous groups. The indigenous peoples have demonstrated little zeal for extraction of precious metals from the earth and seem to prioritize environmental conservation over wealth creation.
This poem by Kapohn, a prominent indigenous public figure, highlights the struggle the indigenous peoples face in Guyana as industrialization encroaches and takes a heavy toll on their natural environment.
Toshao Kapohn
As I Gaze Upon the River – A Poem by Kapohn
Tears stream down his weathered face, As he gazes upon the river's trace. Once a source of life, now a scar, The destruction of his community's star.
The water once flowed clear and pure, But now it's tainted, a sickness to endure. Fish and fowl no longer thrive, Their spirits taken, now barely alive.
Memories of laughter and joy, Now replaced by this indigenous man's sorrow. His people's connection to this land, Now severed by the greed of man's hand.
The river that sustained for generations, Now a source of heartache and frustration. He weeps for the loss of his past, For in the future his community may not last.
