Dear Editor,
Even as I extend heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of those who were injured and died in Linden in the ongoing protest, I would like to point out that this situation is a reflection of the poor leadership of those who advertise themselves as leaders and representatives of the region.
It is easy to point fingers at those who are presumed responsible for the decline of the bauxite industry. From my point of view, both governments tasked with the country’s leadership since independence made mistakes and thus carry tons of blame. But what is most glaring is that the party that enjoys the political support of the region has continuously played politics with the people for personal political gain and right now the region is extremely fragile because of these transgressions.
Let’s face it. Even though there is still tremendous bauxite and aluminium potential in the region, bauxite production as a means of sustaining the community has waned since nationalization. Yet, up until this day the people of the region are led to believe that they should demand living conditions based on the heyday of bauxite production. When one looks at the present protest in Linden and the unnecessary deaths of three, one would be apt to conclude that without bauxite jobs and tremendous sustenance from government the region is doomed. Of course, this is the impression the leaders of Region 10 seem bent on perpetuating.
But I am here to tell you that Region 10 is rich in national resources and it is also the gateway to tourist destinations and the Brazilian border. If there were leaders with an iota of love for their constituents coupled with a bit of vision, they would have been actively guiding the people towards the recognition of that potential over the past 20 years.
There is fishing potential. Agriculture potential abounds – the intermediate savannah is just outside Linden. Then there is the forestry potential.
As much as critics would want to point to the propping up of the sugar industry, I believe the biggest gift from this government to any group in Guyana is the four State Forest Permissions given to four communities in Region 10. And if you do not think this is major, I suggest flipping the support of the sugar industry with the gifts of Region 10 and see who would be better off.
Now here is where Region 10 is failed by their leaders. Stepping away from the troubles of Linden, it was reported about one week ago in KN that in Kwakwani, loggers of the Kwakwani Logging Association were having difficulty getting their produce out of their concession because of a damaged Unamco road and a submerged bridge. What is strange about this report is that the loggers, while given the opportunity to log for their own benefit, are still asking government to maintain the roads and bridges they are using. This does not make any sense, yet I understand the situation in which the individual loggers find themselves.
It is a pity that my book, The Ituni Experience, did not generate any readership, otherwise more persons would have been made aware of the way logging is done in the community and identify the flaws in the logging system that are retrogressive. I have documented everything. I spent five active years in the business and the community. Region 10 has the potential to sustain itself handsomely.
The main problems are business guidance and the lack of financing. These are the areas where the leaders have failed the region. Since 2001 the peoples of Region 10 – Linden, Ituni, Kwakwani logging associations, etc – have four logging permissions, comparable to what Barama, Toolsie Persaud, Mazaralli, Munden enterprises (Ameralli) the new Indian logging company, etc, have. It means that these people have documents that lend to financing. Yet, logging and living in the area are pathetic.
What is the failing? No politician or union representative has gone to the areas and try to open the minds of the people. One must compliment Dr Faith Harding for the approach she is taking with some farmers. This is what is needed in the logging area in Region 10. The people need help preparing business plans and being lined up with potential investors to partner with them and pour in the required financing. Not a simple hustler who wants to use their permit to export logs.
And here is where I have to take a little issue with Mr Hamley Case for his proposed solution to the problem faced by the Kwakwani loggers, as was expressed in the article in KN, ‘Govt crippled UNAMCO five years ago.’ He is basically suggesting government involvement. He seems to be buying into this notion that only government has the answers: “Unamco’s sawmill which was operational until the forest lease expired is still at Jeep Landing, Kwakwani and can be purchased by Government for the R10 logging community as can the company’s US$30 Million Japanese plywood factory which was imported from Japan but never assembled.”
I am very aware of what government did to Mr Case and the reason. It is unforgivable. I was in Ituni when he initiated that investment and mentioned the impact on the village in my book. So I respect Mr Case tremendously as an entrepreneur. But this recent suggestion by him is retrogressive. A better suggestion is to get a potential investor to strike a deal with the logging associations and purchase the equipment for the purpose. The time is also right to ask government to reinstate the Unamco licence with possibly Mr Case hooking up with a more acceptable investor. With money in the industry and the workers as part owners there would be a recipe for development.
Also, I am not seeing enough rage from opposition politicians about the amount of Region 10 bauxite reserves, including block 37, that is under the lock of BOSAI, when this company is showing no indication for the massive investment that is needed to satisfy the region and the industry. I was made aware of the request of potential investors in the bauxite industry, who have been looking at block 37 and dispatched queries to leaders in parliament to look at revisiting the licence given to BOSAI. They are not seeing any positive movements in that regard and are not satisfied with the responses so far.
So, in conclusion, Linden and Region 10 do not deserve what is happening today. The people should have been able to pay for their electricity. They should have been guided towards the self- sufficiency that is possible in the area. It has not happened because… well, you know where I’m coming from.
Yours faithfully,
F Skinner
