The Region 10 Regional Democratic Council will convene a public meeting in Linden on Saturday to speak to residents about the progress of the talks between the region and Government on a number of issues – including the long-stalled television station – connected to the August 21, 2012 agreement.
Speaking to Stabroek News yesterday, Chairman of Region 10,Sharma Solomon said that the meeting has been confirmed and permission from the Police has been granted.
The meeting will take place at Palm Tree, Wismar and is slated to begin at 18:30 hours.
The August 21st agreement flowed from weeks of unrest in Linden over electricity tariffs during which three protesters were killed.
The Region had asked for a deferment of a meeting scheduled with government for January 4 in order to have the Linden meeting with residents.
The meeting with the residents is meant not only to share the region’s position but to canvas their views.
Solomon had said that it was difficult to hear from the residents during the Christmas since everyone was busy.
However, the region’s decision to postpone the meeting drew the ire of Government.
The August 21st agreement called for the Government to fast-track the arrangements for the region to have its television station in terms of the equipment handing over and licensing.
However, these arrangements have gone way past their deadlines, causing the region to accuse Government of frustrating the process.
The talks between Government and the region are also aimed at finalising names for the Technical Review Committee – aimed at looking at electricity rates and the ability of the community to absorb tariff increases – and the Economic Review Committee, which will be examining the prospects of the region and possibilities for economic activity.
