Golden dreams shattered - Doubt that substance found in Hanover community is precious element

Dozens of residents in Chester Castle, Hanover, who spent the last few days digging up a property looking for a substance believed to be pure gold, had their dreams of richness placed on hold after they were informed that they had dug up the mineral pyrite, known as 'fools' gold'.

Some of the residents even broke down in tears on Monday afternoon after hearing the news. One resident, who gave her name as Yvette, told THE STAR that she is a single mother of three, and had spent the last four days gathering what she thought were gold nuggets, which she intended to sell and better her life.

"Until now mi still don't believe them. Mi nah listen to a soul because mi sure seh mi know how gold look," Yvette said. "A yesterday (Sunday) mi sell two piece to one man fi $4,000, suh if a don't gold how come man a walk and a buy it from wi?" She said that since the discovery was made in the Top Land area last week, she and her children have been busy digging up the precious nuggets, which she hoped would bring improved education and better housing for her children.

"Right now mi head a hot mi. Mi a mad because mi already plan out what mi gwan do wid the money after mi sell the gold," she said. "The same man who buy the two little piece from mi tell mi that him coming back pon Wednesday fi tek everything that mi have, and when mi check, mi have over $400,000 worth."

"Right now wi need somebody fi come inna the community and come test the gold fi wi and tell wi the truth if it good before wi dash it weh," she added.

BLESSING IN DISGUISE

She also stated that she has been living in poverty for far too long, and that her little farming is what keeps her family alive. The thought of finding gold in the community came as a blessing in disguise.

Several other residents told THE STAR that if the substance is real gold, it would create a positive impact on the community and their lives.

Checks made by THE STAR about pyrite revealed that the name of the shiny, brass-coloured mineral comes from the Greek word for fire, and it can emit sparks when struck. It is called the fools' gold because its colour and metallic lustre can be mistaken for real gold.

Despite news that the gold discovery is fake, dozens of residents continued to dig for gold on the property and inside the pit, while making a commitment to the property owners that they would re-pack the pit whenever they were through digging.

The residents are also chastising what they consider the slow action of the Government, particularly the mining ministry, that has not sent a representative to check the alleged gold discovery.