Two hundred dredges, 2000 workers hit by Linden protest – Minister Persaud

Saying that over 200 dredges and over 2000 workers are at risk as a result of the protest in Linden, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud has today reiterated a call for the protestors to desist from blocking thoroughfares.
GINA said that the Minister commented on the issue during a press briefing today. He stated that the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC) has been given a mandate and is looking at ways in which alternate routes can be used. Protesters in Linden began blocking roads in the area after three of their number were killed by police on July 18 during a demonstration against higher power tariffs.
“We have to look ahead, some of the steps we take today people may see those as encumbrances, but in the long- term if we are not prepared we can find ourselves without markets and having labels that are unnecessary and can reverse growth and development within the sector,” Persaud said.
According to Persaud, the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), and the GFC are currently compiling an analysis on the impact of the protest thus far.
“While they are tasked with this, we have been receiving some preliminary indications and what I can say is that the bauxite industry has seen close to US$1M in losses and is potentially growing,” he said.
According to GINA, he said that there are two ships waiting to set sail but only one will be able to leave as there has been a halt in operation and there is a limited amount of produce to supply. “Already buyers are calling the company and talking about commitments and they are looking at alternatives… I think that is potentially damaging in the long- term,” he said.
He added that some operators have had to incur high costs to airlift their produce into mining camps. By paying $250,000 for every 1,000 pounds of foodstuff, small miners are feeling the brunt as their produce is sitting in camps, he said, according to GINA.