Dear Editor,
A few years ago I visited Orealla and looked into the potential of the area for the bauxite industry. What I found was a well-established small Amerindian community that was healthy and thriving in a healthy environment. In years past I had also visited Linden and I also saw a thriving town, but one filled with dust and consumed by a large number of health problems caused by the bauxite industry. Kidney issues appear to be the main problem that continues to affect the residents.
The recent announcement to exploit the bauxite deposits on Orealla will require careful consideration of how to prevent a repeat of the health problems that have plagued the Linden community. The dust will be an issue and although Orealla is sparsely populated there will be an impact.
If the plan does become to fully develop Alumina production, then it may be safer to relocate residents and convert the area into a Bauxite Industrial Complex that also makes products for adjacent industries. These are not very healthy environments in which to live even with extremely strict occupational safety and health requirements.
I have reviewed and participated in this industry with one of the global leaders of the sector and would recommend preventing the establishment of residential communities in close proximity.
Hopefully, with the help of the families at Orealla we can find a win-win solution that allows for both the economic development and the continued healthy development of the Amerindian community.
Yours faithfully,
Jamil Changlee
Chairman
The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana
