The government and Region 10’s representatives yesterday finalised the composition of the technical team to review the electricity situation in Linden and both sides indicated that considerable progress has been made towards ending the unrest in the town.
The two sides will meet again at the Office of the President (OP) this afternoon to deal with the economic proposals for Linden and an agreement may see an end to the four-week long protests in the town.
A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) Deputy Leader Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine said that yesterday each side presented the names of their three nominees for the technical review and a chairman was subsequently agreed upon. Roopnaraine noted that he and the other members of the Region 10 delegation would like to see the work of the technical team commence soon.
This aspect of the talks should have been concluded since last Friday but at the last minute the government cancelled the planned meeting, in light of major unrest in the mining town, where Joint Services engaged with residents after an alleged arson attempt at the Wismar/Mackenzie Bridge.
“We have made considerable progress. We advanced a long way,” Roopnaraine stated moments after the five- hour meeting had ended.
Presidential Advisor Gail Teixeira, who was part of the government delegation, said in an invited comment to Stabroek News that progress had been made on the four issues raised by the regional delegation. She said that for some of the outstanding issues, “we just have to find the right language. Things are progressing and we will have to see what tomorrow brings.”
Apart from the establishment of the technical team to examine the electricity sector in Linden and Region 10 and make recommendations, the Linden delegation has also been seeking funding for a committee to be set up by the RDC to carry out a study and develop an economic programme for the region, the immediate appointment of the Regional Land Selection Committee based on the composition of the RDC, and the immediate return of the television operation in Linden which was a gift to the community in 1980.
Region Ten Chairman Sharma Solomon also reported to this newspaper that progress was being made. He said that all that he could say is that talks are “hopeful and progressive,” as he continued to abide by an agreement to not release any details since negotiations are in progress.
“We had some very progressive advancements this afternoon and we are hopeful that we can find the type of resolution that will satisfy the people enough to get them off the streets,” he said.
According to Solomon, the residents would remain resolute in their protest action until they see action in the demands that they are making.
Meanwhile PNCR’s Aubrey Norton was hopeful that the government would withdraw the Joint Services from Linden. Norton, who is a member of the regional delegation, said that the government continues to talk about normalcy returning to the mining town and for this to happen the ranks have to be removed.
Norton told Stabroek News that significant progress is in sight for the resolution of major issues. He said that at today’s meeting, the economic issues raised by members of the delegation will be addressed.
Once established, the technical team will report to the two sides fortnightly and will present a final report within 60 days. The technical team will be established to examine all aspects of electricity generation, distribution and tariffs in Linden and without prejudice to the generalities of the foregoing, including: 1. to review the existing provision and consumption of electricity in the Linden community, including the history, the costs, the tariff structure, and the subsidies; 2. to consider arrangements to provide electricity to the Linden community and the tariffs to sustain such arrangements within a sustainable time frame; 3. to examine Region 10?s economic circumstances inclusive of the affordability of increased cost; 4. to consider the advantages and disadvantages of the integration of the supply of electricity in the Linden area into the national grid; and 5. to examine and make recommendations on cost saving measures and options for alternative energy, including the facilitation of conservation education and conservation.
Roopnaraine also told Stabroek News that his party will continue to press for compensation for those who were killed and injured at the start of the protest on July 18 over hiked electricity tariffs that took effect on July 1. However, he said that this is not one of the issues discussed at yesterday’s meeting.
Despite protracted negotiations, the failure by government, opposition and the Region 10 delegation to actually come up with timely interventions has been criticised. Talks are still ongoing to complete the Terms of Reference for the Commission of Inquiry into the fatal protestor shootings.
During the unrest in the town, major roads have been blocked and buildings have been burnt while members of the Joint Services have clashed with protesting residents on several occasions.
