Latest update January 12th, 2025 3:54 AM
Jun 16, 2008 Letters
Dear Editor,
The Linden Concerned Citizens Association is worried about the proposed indiscreet hike of electricity rates in Linden that will commence from the 1st July, 2008.
After reading last week Sunday’s edition of Kaieteur News, captioned: “Govt. to slash subsidized electricity to Linden from 1st July, 2008”, many residents of Linden are realising that the inevitable is here, and like The Sword of Damocles, it is hanging over their heads.
Was this a craftily concealed plan waiting in the wings to be unleashed at the right moment upon this ailing bauxite township?
It seems to me that the relevant authorities have no consideration for those with large families, or the unemployed, or the pensioners.
I am appalled by the crude dictates that entail this proposition; it will only create a negative impact on the livelihoods of our citizens.
The Linden Utility Service Co-op Society Limited (LUSCSL) has suddenly gone dumb on this issue. This is the company that is responsible for the purchase and distribution of electricity on the Wismar shore.
Every rate payer is a member of this entity, which is governed by the laws of co-op.
The involvement of the GPL top brass as one of the architects of this proposal has suggested to many that the Georgetown-based company may be setting conditions to control the administrators of LUSCSL.
What about the agreement that was made between the bauxite company and the union, as it relates to the retirees and their 300 KW. (still alive, and living off of a meager pension)?
It is common knowledge that the price of oil on the world market has increased, therefore rates are expected to increase; but an increase from $5 to $53.78 represents an increase of over 1000 %. I do not believe that this overnight increase of 1000% for this type of service has ever occurred in any part of this world. What is really going on?
The present rate of $53.78 per kilowatt (KW) paid to GPL by the people of Georgetown etc is a result of several years of increases.
Therefore, this ridiculous overnight increase is absurd, because it will automatically subscribe to a major dent in the wallets of many hopeless citizens.
For example, a bill reflecting 300 KW per month will see the consumer paying more than $11,000., which is an increase of over 700 percent when compared with the former. How will retirees and pensioners fare?
What about the legendary bauxite dust that is still ‘flying,’ as it always did when the agreements were made between the union and the bauxite company?
Currently, one out of every four residents of this bauxite town may be a victim of bronchitis or asthma. What about an environmental assessment?
The relevant authorities have taken notice of the 300 KW burnt by residents, but they have not noticed that the bauxite dust has taken on a darker colour lately.
They have not noticed that our employment status, the high cost of living and VAT is another dark cloud threatening to engulf us.
Our average monthly salary cannot even compensate for rent, water, food, clothing, medical supplies, school, necessities, transportation, telephone bill etc.
The inevitable proposal stated by the relevant authorities is both unfair and unjust. The conditions it can create may eventually foster a breeding ground for illegal, immoral and dishonest practices, which will prove to be more costly in the final analysis.
Therefore, I am appealing to the architects of this proposal to seriously consider the implications and impediments these circumstances may cause, and return to the drawing board with a heart of consideration and a flexible attitude for the residents of Linden.
It must be noted that righteousness will always exalt a nation, but sin is a shame or disgrace to anybody.
Let’s do what is right and Guyana will be exalted.
Pastor Terrence Joseph
Jan 12, 2025
Guyana Harpy Eagles 4-Day practice match… Kaieteur Sports – Captain Kemol Savory and Akshaya Persaud stroked identical half-centuries during the 2nd innings of the Savory XI versus...Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News- When it comes to political irony, Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has ascended to a position... more
Sir Ronald Sanders (Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS) By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News–... more
Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.
Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]