The management of GT&T and residents of Mabura see the installation of the Mabura GSM service as a significant economic boost to the community with the opening of the new Lethem- Brazil bridge.
On Saturday, GT&T commissioned the service at Mabura in collaboration with Demerara Timbers Limited (DTL) which is responsible for the main economic activity in the area.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony Chief Executive Officer of GT&T Major General (retd) Joseph Singh said people in the area could now communicate with the rest of the world.
The interim telecommunication arrangement – public phone booths for the use by the community and those who transit the area – has now been upgraded with the establishment of the site and the provision of the mobile and fixed cellular services.
“The commissioning of this GSM site is another step in ensuring a state-of-the-art, robust and integrated system of communication which accords with Guyana’s ICT strategy and Guyana’s development as a nation and as a key player in the evolving infrastructure integration of northern south America,” said Singh.
He condemned the destruction of the company’s Americas 11 Cable at Number 60 Village on the eve of the Caricom Summit and the use of a chain saw to cut through a riser pole by Loo Creek severing the fibre optic cable which provided connectivity for Region Ten and through microwave relays with Regions 7 and 8. Recently, after the company turned up its signal at Mabura on Wednesday, he said, the next day the cable was dug up and cut 2.5km from Loo Creek bringing much discomfort the residents of those regions.
“I do hope that such dangerous and irresponsible acts or tactics will cease and that the law enforcement agencies and citizens will act collaboratively with us to protect this vital infrastructure,” said Singh. His plea was supported by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Regional Chairman of Region Ten Mortimer Mingo who were both present at the commissioning ceremony.
Prime Minister Hinds was high in praise of GT&T for the bold step taken of improving its telecommunication service at Mabura. “Linden has grown much beyond bauxite and I expect that Mabura would grow much beyond its foundation of more-or-less a camp for logging and sawmilling. The establishment of this cell site here today opens those possibilities,” Hinds said.
Reference was made of the telemarketing facility operating in Linden and another at Georgetown currently employing over 700 persons and looking to expand in another area.
GT&T has over the years been contributing towards the development of the Mabura area. Most recently it outfitted the nursery schools with recreational facilities and donated a computer to the primary school.
