Empowering Community Mines Rangers in the Rupununi

From April 23 to May 1, 2025, the Guyana Mining School and Training Centre Inc. (GMSTCI) conducted a nine-day Community Mines Ranger Training at the Aishalton Community Center, located in the Rupununi Mining District #6. The training, led by Instructors Garvin Douglas and Omella James, with support from Intern Daniel Kansinally, brought together 13 participants, including 4 females and 9 males, representing the growing interest in sustainable and well-regulated mining practices in Region 9.

The course focused on three core areas vital to community-based mining oversight: Map Reading and Navigation (GPS), Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), and Mining Regulations. Through interactive sessions and practical demonstrations, participants learned to apply GPS tools for field navigation, identify workplace hazards, and understand key legal provisions governing mining operations in Guyana.

The training aims to empower residents of mining communities to take a proactive role in ensuring their operations remain both productive and compliant.” Participants echoed this sentiment, highlighting how the hands-on sessions deepened their understanding of safety procedures and strengthened their ability to assist local authorities in monitoring mining activities.

This initiative forms part of GMSTCI’s ongoing commitment to capacity building and sustainable development within Guyana’s extractive sector, ensuring that local communities remain active stakeholders in the country’s resource management framework.