We are on the brink of victory for Linden and change is in sight – Reg. 10 Chairman tells rally

Aug 19, 2012 News

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By Latoya Giles and Enid Joaquin
Scores of  Lindeners turned out yesterday to mark the one month commemoration of the three men – Shemroy Bouyea, Ron Somerset and Allan Lewis – who were killed on July 18th, the first day of protest against electricity tariff increases for the mining town.
The event passed with a peaceful march throughout the streets to the Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge where a public rally was held.
The rally commenced with prayers and worship, led by Pastor Selwyn Sills, and later, residents were addressed by several speakers including Leader of the Opposition David Granger, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, Regional Chairman Sharma Solomon and Vanessa Kissoon, among others. Dr. David Hinds and Lincoln Lewis were some of the other key figures present.
Granger in his brief remarks declared, “On July 18th, there was death; today there is revival, there is resurrection, this is a day for the rebirth of Linden.” He added how touched he was to see people who not worked in over a month, giving out of the little they had, to help rebuild the One Mile Primary school, which was torched by arsonists.
“May the school be renamed the 18th of July school, and may it become a monument to your determination and sacrifice. “Linden and Region 10, we stand mighty, because we are on the brink of victory for the people and change is in sight.”
Solomon exhorted Lindeners to stay focused as “many a victory has been snatched away in the 99th hour”.
He urged persons to stand resolute and to ensure that justice is served within the community.
“One month after the shooting ….we cannot seek to identify the persons who committed the acts and those who continued to abuse persons even after the shooting to death of persons.” He said that Lindeners will not lose ground until they get what they deserve.
“Right now the eyes of the world are on us….our Guyanese brothers and sisters are watching Lindeners as we stand mighty and we are on the brink of victory for Linden and change is in sight.”
“All must be involved in decision making that affects their community” Solomon posited. He further stated that the reflection of the regional vote must be respected by each political party.
“Region Ten will show the nation what shared governance is and it is done by respecting rights for all. We would trust the regime to address the needs of Linden but we the people of Linden will hold the same regime and national leaders accountable for the delivery, because they know what we are capable of.”
He stressed that they will also hold civil society accountable for ensuring that the government delivers on its promise, but the power rests with Lindeners.  He went on to say that the community will not rest until Linden is economically viable which would mean a bright future for children in Region Ten.
“Our community is rich in natural resources and it is the gateway to the interior… the potential is known.”
Solomon emphasised that although the community is under siege the residents’ minds are not and they will continue to survive.
“To date we cannot have the commission of inquiry into the shooting of July 18,” Solomon stressed. He said that by now they could have completed at least 90 percent of the inquiry, and added that the entire country must ensure that justice is served to the families that were affected.
He spoke of several benefits of the negotiations with government.
“I want you to understand we stand on the verge of having the things we didn’t have, like the land selection committee” Solomon said. He further stated that Lindeners now have the opportunity to see how lands are being distributed within the community.
“People of Linden for years we have been suffering with one television station, we now have within two weeks the dish and transmitter for a station… which would be managed by the residents. Residents will now have a choice to choose what they want to watch. We will have more access from the country, it would be independent views.”
“What is important to Linden is the economic package which would liberate you.”
“There will be an economic model that was agreed upon and we have established an economic programme that will investigate every aspect within the community… all the areas of growth. We will be able to assess our unemployment problem within the community which is promised to bring more economic sustainability within the first six months and jobs will be created.”
Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine also told the gathering that victory was at hand while urging Lindeners to maintain their focus.
According to the APNU MP, the parties met late into Friday night to address several pressing issues for the community.
He urged the town’s residents not to do anything that would jeopardize or hinder movement. Roopnarine further stated that they have to ensure that the timeline in the terms of reference are met and the things which were promised are delivered. He promised that they would continue to work even though the meetings are done.
Another aspect he emphasised that they are working on is the demilitarization of the community. He said that Lindeners showed great strength when they decided to rebuild the school, and opined that it was absurd that some may think that they were involved in the burning of an institution which brings hope into the community.

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