Prime Minister sees second spring for bauxite
PRIME Minister Sam Hinds predicts a "second spring" for the bauxite industry. In a Christmas message for Linden and other parts of Region 10, he said there has been a heartening response for partnership proposals for redevelopment of the state-run bauxite sector. However, the closing date for proposals had to be postponed because of consolidations taking place in the bauxite/alumina/aluminum and refractory world, he explained. He noted that as the government continued to focus on the economic situation in the bauxite mining town of Linden, repairs on the Soesdyke-Linden highway have been completed. All bridges have been converted to concrete decking and parking areas were installed alongside many creeks. Remaining funds were used to restore the main road through Linden and Burnham Drive, he said. Mr Hinds expects several other roads in Linden will be fixed through the Urban Development Project which should start disbursing next year. Also, the long anticipated European Union-funded project for the diversification of the Linden and Region 10 economy has seen a big step forward with submission of the draft report identifying the component areas in which monies would be expended, he said. Mr Hinds said disbursement may not begin for another 15 months. But it is hoped work could continue in preparing and better positioning the citizens of Linden and Region 10 to successfully and profitably absorb the 20M Euros (European currency) assistance. The Prime Minister said the challenge before Guyana is to see things in new ways and turn new pages. Those with old chips on their shoulders may be left behind in the new millennium and century, he warned. "The century now ending saw us Guyanese embarking together on the struggle for independence and social justice for workers. We have won great victories during this century and...we must put the old battle lines behind us...to build on and reap the full benefits of those victories," he said. Mr Hinds said Guyana must also contemplate new relationships, adding that foreign investors must be welcomed. He extended best wishes to Region 10 on behalf of President Bharrat Jagdeo, the government and his family. "May our efforts of 1999 bear happy fruit abundantly in the New Year", he said.
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