A team of diplomats from the US, Canadian and British missions is expected to meet residents of Linden tomorrow morning, Regional Chairman Kuice Sharma Solomon told a mammoth crowd last evening.
The largest of the public meetings since the protest action began in Linden was addressed last night by Lincoln Lewis, Dr. David Hinds and Solomon, who all urged a continuation of the current course of action until demands being made of the Government are met.
Solomon also informed the gathering that diplomats representing the USA, Britain and Canada will visit Linden from 10 a.m. tomorrow to speak with residents, even though President Donald Ramotar has not yet committed to visit Linden in response to the call of the protestors.
Solomon arrived at the Mackenzie/Wismar bridge to loud applause from residents. The thick crowd stretched from the Wismar end of the bridge to several yards onto Burnham Drive where it waited for about two hours to be addressed.
“Linden I am in love with you”, were his opening remarks as he informed of the thousands around the world and in Georgetown who have drawn strength from the show of a strong people. “My people, persons around the world have joined. You will get justice once you stay focused”, he added
He took some time to re-emphazie the position that has been taken by the people of Linden while stating that the issue of increased power tariffs is off the table.
In addition to calling for the removal of the Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, he made it clear that residents are demanding that ownership of the TV station be restored to the town. “We ain’t want just more TV station we want that one back. It is ours and we want it back.” said Solomon.
He commended residents who were instrumental in ensuring that those who were involved in looting were brought to justice. “It was not the police who caught the looters it was the people, you did and we will continue to protect our own.” he said.
Through the regional democratic council, a monument is to be erected at the bridge to recognize the deaths of the three as martyrs.
Residents were assured that they would be fed as supplies are already being stocked to be distributed to every resident. “More than US$7000 was raised in one night by US groups to aid the feeding drive for Linden”, he noted.
Hinds wowed the crowd with an emotional discourse reminding of the struggle of their ancestors and the importance of maintaining the struggle. He challenged residents to remain strong and not give up.
He acknowledged the action of protests and vigils being spearheaded by ordinary people. “This is not led by no political party it’s the people.”
He admonished drivers in the town to stop exploiting their own. “Take their names and licence plate and send it to us and we will expose them.”
