Meeting with Energy Dept. like a “Walk in the Dark”

Nov 23, 2018 News

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By Enid Joaquin

Regional Chairman Renis Morian at a press briefing yesterday expressed disappointment at the lack of movement on the recent proposal by Texas-based investors to build an oil refinery in Linden.
“Please move this process forward…I’m appealing to my Government. Where is the hold up? It’s either we want investors or we don’t want investors…these processes are taking too long!” Morian declared.
Among those in attendance were RDC councillor Charles Sampson, Councillor Elize Benjamin of the Linden Mayor and Town Council, and President of the Linden Chamber of Commerce and Development, Victor Fernandes.
The Regional Chairman said that so far, there has been no positive word on the proposed project from Dr. Mark Bynoe, Head of the Energy Department.
“My disappointment is that we had a meeting with Mr. Bynoe and we came away with nothing conclusive…It was like a walk in the dark!”

He however noted that on the other hand, the very investors had a meeting on a project in Georgetown, and within ten days, they were able to sign a memorandum of understanding.
Pointing out that engineers are expected today to oversee the execution of that project, Morian questioned, “What is happening to Linden and Region Ten?”
He stressed that with regard to economic development in Region Ten, there is “too much of a slow pace”, and that “economic development must be fast tracked as 2019 must be the year of growth”.
“As the people’s representative, we are saying on behalf of the people, we want the oil refinery here.
Now, if we can’t say this on behalf of the people, then you are making the council redundant… you don’t need us. But I’m saying, we are not redundant, that is why we were elected.”
Morian said that he is looking forward to the Department of Energy or “some official”, at the earliest opportunity, saying to those in authority, “could you have those investors come back”…It will cost money, but it can happen.”
Chairman Morian reflected on how, after the presentation of the proposal for the oil refinery by the overseas investors, there was unanimous support by all stakeholders for the project to be implemented.
“My disappointment is that the system is not keeping abreast with what is required in Region Ten.
I’m asking the question, what is the mandate of the Regional Democratic Council of Region Ten?”
The mandate of the Council is to bring development to Region Ten.”
In alluding to the absence of local Government elections for over two decades, and its reintroduction with the present administration, Morian said that there is now emphasis on the evolution of power to local Government organs.
“Now we as a council sat with other local Government agencies, on behalf of the people, who are happy to have an oil refinery in this town.”
RDC Councillor Charles Sampson said that he is always concerned about the development of Linden and Region Ten, but acknowledged that over the years, he has seen very few developmental projects in the Region.
“So if persons are coming to do such, they should be given the opportunity. We have spoken to residents, they are very enthusiastic about this project, and we don’t want that enthusiasm to die.
I’m hoping that with this information going out there, that we would be seeing more industrial development in our community.”
Councillor Elize Benjamin said it was recognized that the proposed project can help to develop the community.
“It is sad that that we’ve been meeting people and telling them that this is what is coming, but from the Government end, we are not seeing the kind of support that we are looking for. So at this time, we are asking the Government and all stakeholders to come onboard and support this project, because when we look at the unemployment rate in Region Ten, with young people coming out of school with so many subjects – good grades and can’t get a job – it is sad.”
Benjamin opined that with the project given the green light, major development could come to Linden and Region Ten.
Those sentiments were echoed by Linden Chamber President Victor Fernandes, who asserted that the Chamber is in full support of the oil refinery being established in Linden.
“We at the Linden Chamber saw a lot of promise for this Region, coming out of the last meeting with the overseas investors. We were very optimistic of an economic turnaround for Linden. However, unfortunately, we are having this meeting today, because our hopes are a bit dashed, as a result of the response, or lack of it, from the higher authorities.”
Fernandes pointed out that an oil refinery would be a big boost to economic development not only in Linden, but for Guyana as a whole.
“When we look into the future, we saw the great potential of such an investment, but somehow there seems to be persons who want this (project) to remain as just potential!” Fernandes declared.

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