Dear Editor,
A letter captioned `Economic security for Linden not a hopeless dream’ published in the Stabroek News, November 29 edition and carrying the name Sharma Solomon has caught the attention of some bloggers at home and abroad. One of the many good things about Stabroek News is that it allows for those in the diaspora and at home to give comments on every aspect of its publication.
One blogger, Bismattie Saywack, questions whether Sharma Solomon’s letter is written by someone in the hierarchy of the PPP. I quote Miss Saywack.”This letter is written by a senior PPP propaganda operative and at first glance it appears to be empathetic to the plight of the Lindeners. A careful look at the contents however will reveal its cunning beguile.
The letter writer’s primary intent is to stave off any possible political underpins in the mining community so as not to cause the PPP further negative attention.
Based on my experience, I can assure you that this person is not genuinely concerned about Lindeners.”
I do not believe Sharma is a People’s Progressive Party, apologist. But is he sympathetic to the PPP. How can he construct a missive on Linden’s economic and social spiral and possibilities for its salvation while de-recognising the way bauxite was treated against sugar under Jagdeo’s 17 years rule? How can he ignore major developments in the PPP strongholds across Guyana as against Linden’s continued decline? Linden’s potentials are indeed great but have been continuously stymied by the present government.
I was in Linden two weeks ago. I have had extensive informal conversations with key leaders at Linden: Mortimer Mingo (Regional Chairman), Orin Gordon, head of the Interim Management Committee, Linden Town Council, Phillip Bynoe (Chairman of Linden Salvation Council) among a few others. I will discuss how I feel about their leadership in another letter. I was surprised how candid they were. Sharma needs to speak with them too.
Linden must rise economically with government’s total involvement and its genuine will to redistribute wealth equitably. Partisan politics must be left at the gates of the elections season. People must not be left to suffer because of their geographic location and their history of supporting opposition political parties. Further, the youth at Linden must first understand the political environment they have inherited, it will better enable them to understand their social and economic stagnation and real possibilities for escaping them.
Yours faithfully,
Norman Browne
London
