A key lesson learnt from the three-week blockade by Linden residents over the collapsed water and electricity supply was the lack of trust and confidence the people have in the national government, says the PNCR.
According to the party at its weekly press conference, the real reason for the prolonging of the crisis is not a lack of respect for authority but rather the breakdown in confidence and trust between ordinary citizens and those elected to govern fairly and effectively.
“Governance in Guyana has slipped to this sorry state where the people cannot trust the word of the government, nor the word of the President himself.”
The PNCR said another lesson to be learnt was the need for an integrated and comprehensive development plan for Linden, drafted by major stakeholders, particularly residents and their representative bodies.
The party said that it had noted the numerous reports of President Jagdeo’s activities in Linden and that he seemed to have lost his way. It said Jagdeo appeared to be only patching roads and digging drains, and not finding a long-term solution.
The PNCR said the announcement by that Linmine Chief Executive Officer that the company had lost US$1M as a result of the recent collapse of water and electricity services in Linden should not go unnoticed.
“It is well known that the company is in serious economic difficulties and can ill afford to lose money for any reason. These losses will no doubt affect the long-term viability of the company and the community as a whole.”