http://business.financialpost.com/opinion/attawapiskats-refusal-to-support-a-diamond-mine-misses-an-opportunity-for-better-prosperity
Quote from Article:
"During Idle No More, Attawapiskat leaders complained about the relationship between the community and De Beers, publicly criticizing its impact and benefits agreement as insufficient for community needs. However, the solution is to seek a better agreement, not to stop production at the mine.
Band leaders have complaints with De Beers, but the solution isn’t to shut down the mine.
Attawapiskat would certainly benefit from mine activity, which would help pay for much needed housing. The chief and band councilors are ignoring opportunities right under their noses. Attawapiskat is emblematic of so many First Nations that need the money and jobs that come with developing resource partnerships yet decline these opportunities."
Comment:
- There are those that see opportunity and seize it.
- There are those who wait for opportunity to find them.
- Then there are those who take the opportunity given to them for granted, and then turn around and bite the hand that feeds them.
Something tells me that De Beers has been more than amenable in respect to the social, environmental, and economic concerns facing the Attawapiskat people. If not the Victor mine would have been closed long ago. No doubt the compensation they have received has been more than adequate, and their people have prospered both financially and psychologically through employment with De Beers. Why do I get the feeling that the IBA between them is the real issue here, because a lack of infrastructure in Attawapiskat is not De Beers problem. This is an issue that holds the government accountable, and should have no place in agreements with De Beers. If there were environmental concerns then why has De Beers been allowed to continue mining....Doesn't make sense.
Money, and only money, is the real issue here, and IMO I would have to applaud De Beers for walking away from the table..If the Attawapiskat people want prosperity then don't ask for more than you rightfully deserve. That is.....Unless your willing to work for it.
TM.
