The Private Sector Commis-sion (PSC) believes that if the Linden situation is not resolved soon, the result could be serious as there are hundreds of jobs at stake and potential investment in the mining industry is being hindered by current occurrences in Linden.
“People are losing their jobs… I believe we are approaching the tipping point if this problem does not end within the next 24 to 48 hrs the result could be serious…we understand that Toucan Connections has decided to lay off its employees… BOSAI, which had a massive investment plan, is thinking again because they cannot even get their managers into the plant,” Chairman of the PSC Ronald Webster is quoted as saying in a Government Information Agency (GINA) press release yesterday.
Webster, Clinton Urling of the Georgetown Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and Carvil Duncan of the Guyana Labour Union on Monday evening spoke of the impact and consequences of the protest action on the National Communications Network (NCN) programme ‘Issues in the news.’
Webster explained that the PSC is the apex organisation for the chambers of commerce, and the tourist industry among others and as such would receive feedback from a much broader base.
“There is a lot of potential investment in mining, a lot of it will require a route through Linden to access mines…as it is the most economic way to transport equipment… a problem in this nature is reflected on the stock exchange of USA and Canada so immediately it begins to impact investment in Guyana,” Webster said, according to GINA.
He also explained that the current situation in Linden is negatively affecting the country’s image as those overseas will not localise but rather nationalise the situation.
The PSC Chairman added that the situation will have terrible repercussions, and unfortunately those who will suffer are Lindeners, especially those who do not have the capacity to absorb the shock.
Meanwhile, Urling noted that the situation in Linden, particularly the road blockages, has been a major issue as it has resulted in disruptions to businesses in other regions, such as 7, 8 and 9.
“Most businesses in the mining areas and regions 7, 8 and 9 had to find alternative means which meant an increase in cost…some had to rely on air or waterways,” Urling pointed out. He added that, as a result of the situation, other businesses have started to lose some contracts as they have obligations to their international customers that they cannot meet.
Duncan said that workers are haemorrhaging because the food on the table is diminishing and there are no means to purchase additional food. “If there is a means the cost is skyrocketing… the workers in Linden are hungry and want it to stop but for some reason or the other there are persons in the society that want it to continue,” Duncan said.
As the situation in Linden continues, members of the opposition and key stakeholders from Linden are in constant and ongoing dialogue with President Donald Ramotar and members of his Cabinet to have the issue resolved.
Lindeners on July 18 began what was announced as a five-day protest against the raising of electricity tariffs but it turned chaotic after three men were shot dead when the police opened fire on protestors and at least 20 persons were also injured.
Several buildings were razed and many motorists have suffered at the hands of protestors by having their vehicles set alight, tyres damaged and exorbitant tolls demanded for passage.
Toshaos travelling to the city were chased back and were made to detour through Bartica to attend the sixth National Toshaos Council Conference now ongoing in the City, GINA noted.
