Opposition Members of Parliament from A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) are raising serious concerns about alleged large-scale gold smuggling and the obstruction of their official duties following a visit to the Marudi Settlement in Region Nine.
A delegation comprising Dr. Terrence Campbell, Sharma Solomon, Saiku Andrews, and Sherod Duncan was reportedly denied entry to the Marudi Settlement by the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC). The MPs contend they were not engaged in any unlawful activity, and that blocking their access undermined their ability to fulfil their parliamentary responsibilities and engage with constituents. According to the delegation, a barrier that was initially open was later closed and padlocked by authorities.
Speaking from the location, Dr. Campbell relayed accounts from residents who alleged that approximately US$5 million in gold is being smuggled out of the country daily from the area. He noted that residents were reluctant to speak publicly, citing fear of retribution from foreign mining operators. Campbell further alleged that Brazilian miners are operating in the district with little oversight, and that Guyanese residents are living in fear.
APNU has characterised the GGMC’s actions as an attempt to shield activities in the area from scrutiny, calling for greater transparency and accountability in the mining sector. Neither the GGMC nor the Ministry of Natural Resources had issued an official response at the time of publication.
The situation has renewed concerns surrounding the reported presence of convicted Brazilian miner Rodrigo Martins de Mello, also known as Rodrigo Cataratas, in the Marudi district. In February 2026, Mongabay reported that a Brazilian federal court sentenced Mello to more than 22 years in prison for leading illegal mining operations in the Yanomami Indigenous Territory. His convictions included charges of leading a criminal organisation, money laundering, and illegal mining on protected indigenous land. He was also ordered to pay over US$6.1 million in environmental damages.
Concerns were further fuelled by social media images showing Cataratas alongside senior Guyanese government officials. During a March 14 meeting convened by the South Rupununi District Council (SRDC), stakeholders were informed that Cataratas is no longer operating in the area. Brazilian personnel currently present were described as technical specialists supporting heavy machinery operations, with emphasis placed on transferring skills to local workers.
APNU and the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) group have called for immediate action to protect residents and safeguard Guyana’s natural resources.
Source: Kaieteur News
