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New Amsterdam Catholics issue strong statement on Linden situation
By Leon Suseran
The Parish Pastoral Council of the Roman Catholic Church of the Ascension in New Amsterdam in a strongly- worded statement had added its full support to the people at Linden.
“We recognise your plight and the unfortunate response by the Guyana Police Force which resulted in the death of three individuals. We extend our condolences to the families and friends of the deceased. We stand with you in your quest for justice,” said a statement which was signed by parish priest, Monsignor Terrence Montrose.
The Council expressed surprise that the Government was aware that Lindeners were going on strike “yet there was no effort on the part of the Government to resolve this matter at the early stages before it escalated into a major tragedy involving the loss of lives.”
The lack of proper information on these developments resulted in many people in other parts of the country being completely misinformed about the real issues. “The people of Linden are willing to pay phased increases in electricity rates but subject to gradual improvement in the economics of their community which is in a state of continued decline,” the statement mentioned.
“It is not the billions that is spent by the Government but the opportunities that are derived from these investments that impact on the daily lives of the people…. Now it appears that with the T&T Pathologist findings, some trained person was planted in the crowd with instructions to kill; how else could one interpret this? It is for this reason that the Commission of Inquiry should have independent members with unquestionable integrity,” it noted.
The Council stated that government is fully aware of the economic circumstances in Linden, with unemployment at 70 per cent and it is unbelievable at this time the government will impose increases. “We are therefore calling on the government not only to put the tariff on hold but also to identify experts and not cronies to do a review of a tariff structure to ensure that it does not include exorbitant profits.”
“The price should reflect the actual cost of generating electricity since Bosai’s main business is bauxite production, not generation of electricity for resale. If Bosai prides itself as a responsible corporate citizen, it would certainly sell its electricity at prices to recover its cost only since most of its labour supply is drawn from Linden.”
Monsignor Rev Terrence Montrose
The statement mentioned, too, some recommendations that government should take into consideration to offer opportunities for expansion of businesses, development of new businesses and creation of job opportunities, especially for young people in Linden.
The “practical, and not cosmetic measures” include: low interest loans for start-up businesses; training; exemption from taxation for five years on all new enterprises; diversification of the local economy; encouraging foreign investors to invest a portion of their profits in the development of the community; and less political involvement in business opportunities.”
“We are looking for leadership from the opposition parties in helping all Guyana to address this tragedy as we believe that the Opposition parties are not doing enough for the people of Guyana. We need a coordinated approach that will encourage all Guyanese to come out in support of the people of Linden and send a strong signal to the Government that ‘band- aid’ solutions cannot work, only well- conceived programmes that will make a difference to the lives of all Guyanese”.
Likewise, the statement added, Lindeners should protest within the laws and boundaries and the protests should be peaceful, not alarming and preventing others from going about their businesses. “Our hope is that a quick solution is arrived at to address the problems before it gets more out of hand.”
“We as Christians are calling on Guyanese to remain calm while helping the struggle. More importantly, Guyanese should not get involved in the destruction of property, looting of stores or killing or injuring innocent people as these actions will only divide us as a people. Our mission is to work together for the collective good of all our brothers and sisters,” the statement ended.
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