Over 50 residents of Kwakwani blocked the main access road in the area in protest yesterday, after Rusal denied their request for a contract to transport bauxite from the mines to the stockpile.
Residents, led by members of the Upper Berbice Forest and Agriculture Producers Association (UBFAPA), used heavy machinery, small vehicles and large planks to block the Kwakwani Waterfront Road, cutting off access to the community.
While a few small vehicles were allowed to pass, residents who were attempting to leave the community for Linden were prevented from doing so. Stabroek News was told that of the dozen vehicles that usually transport passengers from Kwakwani to Linden, only two or three worked yesterday.
Treasurer of the UBFAPA, Cort Simeon, said his organisation has been exploring several ways to bring relief to residents of Kwakwani, and particularly in the upgrade and upkeep of the waterfront and internal roads.
“We think it would be fit if we can get a contract from Rusal. We would be able to pour back into the community. The contract is to fetch bauxite from the mines to the stockpile,” Simeon explained.
He added that with a commitment for funding to purchase machinery to the value of over $200 million, they approached Rusal.
“The bank said that unless they can get a letter from Rusal saying that yes, they are going to give us the contract, they would not be able to give us the loan,” Simeon said. They were, however, told no by Rusal, which triggered the protest.
Those who attended the meeting with Rusal said the management told them that Region 10 Vice-Chairman Byron Lewis had said that the association was not the legitimate representative body of Kwakwani.
“How could he do something like that and he is supporting development in this community?” an angry resident questioned.
On Friday afternoon, following the meeting, residents moved to block the road. This resulted in a team of police officers, headed by Superintendent Michael Sutton travelling to the area to clear the road. “It only because the police come like a bad John make we cooperate and move,” a resident said.
Regional Chairman, Sharma Solomon, APNU Member of Parliament, Vanessa Kissoon, and Lewis also rushed to the area to defuse the situation. Solomon engaged the protesters and promised to return to meet residents some time in the new week on their issues.
In his own defence, Lewis said he had no discussion with Rusal about the group’s proposal.
“I was on a courtesy call in the area and was asked if Mr Thom is the Kwakwani community representative and I told them no. They did not give me the indication that the group had a proposal in or anything,” explained Lewis.
“We are not prepared to stop at anything.
If we can’t get progress it’s gonna be protest,” said a resident. They insisted that they do not intend to take away the contract from the present contractors, who they say come from outside the Kwakwani community, but argued that it must be shared.
“These trucks using this road to take all the money out of this community; they don’t do anything for us here and if we get to operate 10 or 15 trucks of the 60 they have, we know we can do so much for our community,” said a protestor.
They pleaded for the support of the regional authorities to convince Rusal to grant them the contract.
A delegation is set to return to the area in the new week to deal with that and other issues affecting residents of Kwakwani.
