Key service industries in Linden were gradually reopening yesterday in anticipation of the signing of agreements between the government and Region Ten’s representatives to bring an end to sustained protests over the last month.
Institutions, including the commercial banks, insurance companies, the legal agency and government offices of the National Insurance Scheme, are gradually resuming activities, with at least 75% of the workforce back on the job. A high percentage of the Bosai Minerals Group workforce is also out. Most of the entities opened have seen workers turning out in casual clothing as opposed to their regular uniforms.
Most commercial activities in the town were halted after the July 18, 2012 start of the protests—triggered by a hike in the electricity tariff—saw the killing of three protestors, which fuelled unrest, including the blocking of key roads in the area that restricted interior traffic.
A walk around the business centre at Mackenzie bore evidence of the returning activity. A few taxis returned to the park, while many Linden to Georgetown buses were in operation. However, those continue to use the temporary venue at the Mackenzie Five Corners as their loading area. And the Mackenzie Municipal Market, the Mackenzie Arcade and the key shopping centre remained closed up to noon yesterday.
The ferry service, which is key to movement in the town, was also still suspended. The traffic into and out of the Berbice River areas has seen an increase over the past few days. A number of laden lumber trucks have been seen passing through the town, especially at nights. However, traffic from interior areas that has to pass through Wismar has not been frequent, with the exception of some Route 72 minibuses passing through in the early mornings and evening hours.
At Wismar, there was not much activity as residents were awaiting word of the signing. “It’s not over until it is really over, we have been fighting for justice and unless we are fully confident that justice is guaranteed, we’ll be holding our ground,” said a Wismar resident.
Parents of students and public-spirited residents yesterday continued preparing the site of the One Mile Primary School for reconstruction of the school building. “We made a commitment to do this, so we are sticking to that commitment,” said a volunteer, who added that they believe that the building can be up and ready for occupancy in less than a year.
On Monday, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand told parents and teachers of the school that the reconstruction would take more than a year—an announcement that did not go down well with parents of students. Some of them yesterday were still awaiting word about the availability of a church in the area to house the students for Grades One and Grade Two, which would eliminate the need for a double shift arrangement that has been proposed to accommodate the students. “I think some serious consideration should be given to pastor [Selwyn] Sill[’s] suggestion for pre-fab buildings; leh deh use all dem soldier camps deh got round deh place,” commented Claire McDonald yesterday.
Several persons said that all along they were making preparations for the return of their children to school.
“…Things like sewing school clothes and dem things were being done in the background of all that was going on,” said Celeste Gardner, a mother of four school-age children. “The only thing that might got some rush is registration and orientation for children going over to new schools,” added Sandra Williamson.
Many persons declined to comment about a return to normalcy in the town. “When it’s officially official, we’ll all know and that what’s my answer. The struggle is not over but victory is in sight,” said a resident.
