Dear Editor,
I read with consternation, a statement attributed to Mr John Macedo (‘Lethem electricity rate to go down,’ Sunday Stabroek, February 2).
Mr Macedo was quoted as telling SN via a telephone conversation, “This is what we receive and we must learn to manage our money and work with what we receive.” Again, the said article attributed the statement to Mr Macedo that he was not interested in additional subventions.
Editor, the residents of Lethem and its environs take very strong objection to these sentiments coming from the Chairman of the Board of Directors. Is that his personal position? Or is that the collective sentiment of the Board? Maybe the other directors should clarify their individual positions if Mr Macedo’s comments are not reflective of the Board’s position.
The norm is, a Board meets and makes decisions for the company, with the paying consumers in mind. Those decisions are supposed to be implemented based on a majority vote. Mr Macedo has once again usurped the authority of the Board by uttering those unwarranted comments. He disregarded procedure when he directed the CEO of LMPCI to issue a letter to consumers informing them of a 66.4 per cent increase in electricity tariffs. This was done even when the other directors had advised that the public be met to concur with or reject the increase.
Having said that, Editor, a decision was taken at a public meeting held on Wednesday, January 29 based on proposals made by Mr Carlton Beckles and myself. Those proposals which were demonstrated on a chalk-board for all to see, were unanimously accepted. However, the Board asked for a day to examine same before a final decision was made.
A counter proposal was made with minor adjustments. We accepted the adjustments based on reassurances from the Chairman that most residents do not pass the 45 kw mark. That was done in good faith in the interest of the community.
The question of the increased subvention was raised and the response was that they tried many times to get an increase and the Prime Minister had refused to budge on each occasion. My advice at that meeting was to have a cross-sectoral delegation visit the PM with facts and figures. There was a promise to explore that possibility.
Now that Mr Macedo is reported as saying he is not interested, he appears to be reneging on an undertaking which was made in good faith. He has also decided not to meet with the residents to discuss the new rate, a commitment he made to the very residents.
As it relates to the increased subvention, there are very strong reasons to warrant an increase. The primary reason is security. The border between Lethem and Brazil is more porous than a pork-knocker’s 3rd sieve. The Takutu Bridge is a non-issue in the dry season. Vehicles can drive across the river to and from Brazil without using that bridge.
Even when lights are on in homes, the surrounding areas are very dark. One can pass a person on the streets and you won’t even recognise the colour of his clothing. That is a dangerous situation. We read every day the increase in gun-related crimes; we read ever so often about the increase in narco-trafficing. Our present environment is conducive to these nefarious activities.
With so many unemployed youths, these activities will provide lucrative work if given the chance. Is Mr Macedo telling the parents of Moco Moco, St Ignatius, Culvert City, Tabatinga and Lethem that he is not interested in what their children do? Is he telling us that he does not care if drugs and guns pour across our borders? Is he saying that it is alright for us to remain in a state of under-development when our neighbours across from us have illuminated streets?
I am now calling on the Prime Minister to undertake a socio-economic study of Lethem and its environs with the same alacrity he rushed into Kwakwani to conduct one. It was as a result of that study ‒ I was the Secretary of the committee which was headed by him ‒ that Kwakwani started getting that subsidy. The PM will find that Kwakwani is far better off than us here in more ways than one.
I am therefore urging residents to remain resolute and focused. It seems that the struggle has just begun.
Yours faithfully,
Carl A Parker (Sr)
Regional Councillor APNU
