In a statement it also warned that "continued prolonged protests will have significant negative long-term effects not only on the community of Linden, but also all of Guyana, since (this) definitely sends negative signals to all existing businesses and potential investors who may consider further or new investments in Guyana in general and specifically in Linden."

One such investment is a budding joint venture between Guyanese and Brazilians in a transportation (bus) business between Georgetown and Boa Vista, the PSC said.

"We therefore plead with the protesters to allow the free movement of vehicular traffic along the Wisroc, Mabura Hill and Omai roads.

"We urge both the Government and Opposition to continue to give this matter their full support and cooperation. The Private Sector Commission also stands ready to lend whatever support it can in bringing an early resolution to this problem", it added.

The business group said that it was with "much encouragement" that it viewed the visit to Linden on Friday by President Bharrat Jagdeo and his subsequent meeting with Leader of the People's National Congress Reform (PNC/R), Mr. Robert Corbin, "and their consequent meetings with the community leaders and the protesters in Linden."

"We were encouraged by how well the President was received by the protesters and his commitment to return to Linden (today)", the PSC said.

"We hope that this initial encounter between the President and Mr. Corbin on the Linden crisis will develop into a meaningful working relationship between the Government and the Opposition in addressing the many problems facing our country."

The PSC also commented "on the unacceptability of how this (Linden) problem was allowed to develop in the first instance."

"Our Government must be more proactive in addressing these problems before they develop into crisis proportions and result in protest action", it urged.

The business group said it was pleased to hear that on Saturday, Omai Gold Mines Limited was able to resume the movement of fuel and employees to its mine site.

"It is now with deep regret that we have learnt that Omai had to cease this movement by late the same afternoon as the road was once again ditched and blocked."

The PSC said the protesters at Linden, although certainly justified in protesting against the poor supply of electricity and water in their town, are "shooting themselves in the foot" by preventing Omai moving to and from its mine site in order to keep its mines in operation.

"This is simply because approximately half of Omai employees are from Linden and Omai, through their parent company Cambior, are the only viable medium and long term solution to the problems of poor electricity supply and unemployment that the town of Linden presently faces.

"After all, it is Cambior which is in the process of investing significantly in the Linmine operations and in the medium term has committed three 3-megawatt generators to the Linden community", the group said.

It noted that this will not only guarantee a long-term solution to the electricity supply, but also address the significant unemployment problems the town faces.

The blocking of the Wismar/Mackenzie bridge is not only affecting Omai, but a large number of private sector companies in the gold and diamond mining and forestry sectors, who also employ a large number of Lindeners, it said.