Speaking on a Linden Television (LTV) programme last Saturday, he said the offer made by Cambior Incorporated (parent company of Omai Gold Mines Limited) is the best at this time.

He said the agreement signed on June 6, by the Government, LINMINE and Cambior, paves the way for the preparation of a bankable feasibility study, which will be presented to international financial institutions as part of a process to secure financing for the proposed restructuring of the Mackenzie based company.

Mr Hinds stressed that the signing was only the preparatory stage of the project that would lead to a joint venture between Government and Cambior, to create a new smaller operating entity.

The Prime Minister warned that the exercise will be challenging and workers will have to make the operations successful.

He pointed out that the world is changing and people have to adjust to changes and change their attitudes.

Under the new arrangements, it is expected that there will be a better operation and Cambior will employ approximately 600 people.

“It is better for everyone to be retrenched and then be re-employed,” Hinds stated, adding that President Bharrat Jagdeo had said voluntary retrenchment could start and discussions on the issue are continuing.

Hinds encouraged the Linden workforce to take up other opportunities for their development and betterment now.

Commenting on increasing electricity rates over the years, the Prime Minister said the service has to be developed to a cost recovery state but “we are committed to have a phase-in period of about three years.”

He said Cambior would only be given identified assets and land will be returned to Government for housing and other developmental purposes.

“We have been looking for more agricultural development in the area. We are not only looking for one business. We are looking for diversified situations and I think this is coming into play, because the area has been transformed over the years. I think Linden has a bright future,” Hinds declared.

A member of Linden Chamber of Commerce, Mr Steve Bovell, who joined Hinds and other Ministers Bibi Shadick and Dr Jennifer Westford on the telecast, said he feels Linden is better than a lot of other places and the people must have a vision of what can be done.

Bovell, a former top bauxite functionary, said he does not think Linden has an insoluble problem but people must face the future.

The three Government Ministers visited several business places including Mackenzie Market, met residents and listened to their concerns.