THREETABBET — Local communities are in great fear after an incident involving cyanide in the village of Godo Olo. During a liba krutu on Drietabbetje, chief captain John Lesina, representative of the granman der Aucaners, on Sunday that the community no longer wants to allow gold mining activities involving cyanide in the area. “If someone wants to extract gold in the traditional way, as we have traditionally done, that is no problem. But when it comes to cyanide, people here want nothing to do with it anymore,” he made clear.
In addition, the meeting, attended by representatives of the entire tribe, decided that the Chinese gold seekers involved should leave the area as soon as possible. Lesina further called on the government to take action against people who transport the dangerous substance into the country.
“The most important message to society is that the government is doing everything it can to stop the use of these toxic substances here”
Edgar Dikan
General Counsel Edgar Dikan, who headed the presidential delegation that hosted the liba krutu attended, called on the community to share information on locations where cyanide is used or stored. The authorities emphasized that close cooperation with the local population is necessary to prevent further damage to people and the environment.
NMA: ‘Water safe for consumption’
According to Dikan, a boat carrying Jin Chan had taken on water and contamination may have occurred. The boatman had washed his boat and discharged the water into the river. The Suriname Communications Service writes that fish became intoxicated, but that fish deaths also occurred. This led to concern among residents.
Based on the available research results, the National Environmental Authority (NMA) stated that relatively little cyanide ended up in the water and that the water is currently safe for consumption. During the liba krutu the NMA explained the risks of cyanide and mercury and answered questions about drinking water and fish consumption. The people urged support in the rehabilitation of the affected area.
The presidential delegation visited the liba krutu at the instruction of President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons with the aim of hearing the community and discussing possible measures. The delegation also included district commissioner Josafat Kanapé of Tapanahony and representatives of the management team of Artisinal Gold Mining Regulation. “The most important message to society is that the government is doing everything it can to stop the use of these toxic substances here,” said Dikan.
