Dear Editor,
The quantum leap in electricity charges intended for Linden consumers, is an added economic burden which will further derail life in the community and ultimately lead to chaos. This was once a stable community with a viable and thriving bauxite industry, where wages, compared to many across the country, were far above the average, and many facets of community life were influenced by the company, the main employer, which provided much. Thus many things were taken for granted by outsiders. In a recent article in the Kaieteur News addressing the Linden electricity issue, Peeping Tom said he “feels abused that one area could be enjoying such a humongous subsidy on electricity while the rest of Guyana has to pay a tariff of close to ten times what is paid by Lindeners.” Peeping Tom’s argument is based purely on cold harsh economic calculation – cost, profit, loss and a bit of envy, as if we were no different from the bauxite ore. Let us all pay the same, he says; either sink or swim, the fittest of the fit shall survive – end of story. The question of social or moral responsibility does not enter his equation. He further asked, “Why should the people of Linden enjoy such concessions that are not enjoyed by the rest of the country?” He cares very little about the past and is not interested too much in the present state of things, except what Lindeners are paying for electricity as against what he has to pay.
Mr Editor, many have seen/heard of the past glory but do no know the full story. But the genesis of this low rate that was negotiated, and the conditions that accounted for it, still remain. The conditions of work were always a major consideration for whatever conveniences and concessions were given to the people of the bauxite town or ‘Dusty Town,’ as is popularly called by many, and water and electricity were the most cherished. An outstanding characteristic of the community was the ever-present and ubiquitous dust nuisance, and the extent of its destruction of household effects. 100% free pure water and a token payment for electricity were a small price to pay for the pollution, while top management and staff/engineers which included our Prime Minister Sam Hinds, paid nothing. Getting the bauxite ore from the mines to the mills thence to the ships tells the story of Dusty Town.
In broiling sun, pouring rain, cold night dew, some 200-300 feet below in the heart of the mines men worked the bauxite ore, the alumina plant, the mills, with the constant deafening sounds of massive hammers and clattering chains as huge tumbling boulders were crushed. The intense heat from 200-300 ft long kilns which sucked men dry, and a community that was forever saturated by grey, brown and red dust which took its toll on the health of many, are only part of the story. There were many workers who spent the greater part of their lives buried within the caverns of the mines. An elaborate industrial bauxite mining operation in the community did not, and still does not function without causing a serious health hazard to residents. Many former bauxite workers from the mines/mills, alumina plant and other departments have stories that need to be told. These can be a case study, informing and assisting the present company and any future one on health and safety mining practices and the effects on the community/environment. Many have complained of blindness, infection of the lungs and other strange sicknesses and complaints. People who never smoked were ordered by doctors to quit smoking, when in fact it was only the smoke and dust from the many bauxite chimneys which they were inhaling.
On the technical side, the question of how cheaper current could be generated, and other alternative sources of power, I leave that to the many well trained and experienced technical experts, who can enlighten us if they are so inclined. But I need to ask, how does one rest with his/her conscience, if one is receiving a super salary and pays a token, while fixing an exorbitant rate for the unemployed, low-wage earners and pensioners to pay for basic social amenities?
I am told that Bosai Mining Operations have a regular workforce of approximately 500-700 – a far cry from an industry that once employed some 4-5000, and it is my understanding that they are offering their workers $3,000 to assist with the proposed increase in the light bill. This company is the highest-paying major industry, so what then of the much smaller places of employment that are paying less than half of what Bosai is paying, between $3,000-$5,000 per week, how will they manage? At any rate, our present unemployment rate I’m told is about 60-70%. To pay bills one has to have a source of income; if $5 per kwh is unacceptable, a 600% increase is murderous! The adage that by hook or crook man must live will no doubt manifest itself in devious ways that can create more distress and discomfort, adding to an already volatile situation. Those with the ability to pay easily, and who seem not too bothered, are not learning from what is happening daily; we will all be consumed one way or another. Let us not fool ourselves, understand that generally “crime is simply the result of a grossly disproportionate distribution of wealth and privilege,” almost “all crimes can be traced to objective socio-economic conditions.”
Any bauxite operations should be made to sign a deal granting x amount of electricity to the community.
I do not know why Peeping Tom is so enthused about Lindeners “paying an economic cost like everyone for electricity consumed.”
With GWI continuing to send households those ridiculous $40,000-60,000 water bills and the rising cost of basic commodities it seems as if Linden will be well primed for other activities after the Carifesta celebrations.
Yours faithfully,
Frank Fyffe
