THE Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) is appealing to citizens of Linden to desist from blocking traffic flow or damaging the road and bridge network into the interior.

In a statement yesterday, association President, Mr. Stanislaus Jardine, said the GGDMA recognises the poor condition in basic services faced by the people of Linden and supports their need to have these addressed.

"However, we think that now that residents have gotten national recognition of their plight and the attention of policymakers, they need to focus on more specific measures to solve these problems", he said.

"The residents of mining towns and communities along the highway make up the mining industry. The social and economic costs of road closure will be felt in the households of Linden and the surrounding communities and are already being felt in hinterland villages", he added.

Jardine said the road blockage has not only affected Omai Gold Mines Ltd., but also most small and medium-scale operations, which have not been able to get supplies and medicine into camps.

"We urge those blocking the road to the interior to bear in mind that the workers in the mining sector and their families are from the region, which is dependent on mining", he said.

"Not only are their livelihoods at risk, but now many workers are sick with malaria and typhoid and need care. The Gold and Diamond Miners Association is asking the Linden protesters to be mindful of how close we live as a people", he said.

According to Jardine, thousands of Linden residents make their living in the interior "not just as employees but also as itinerant 'small miners' without any finances of their own."

"Itinerants come to dredging areas where dredge owners take care of them with financial support, food, medicine, transportation and allow them to work gold around camps.

"Hence, continued blocking of the road will first and foremost hurt the families of the region", he added.

He said the association is committed to national development and to working together with policymakers, residents of Linden and communities along the highway to support their livelihood and access to services, including proper and functional roads.

The road to Omai was reopened Saturday but was damaged by protesters again, preventing vehicles from getting into and out of the mining region.

Protests began in the town after the regular electricity supply broke down on March 30 following the failure of the steam plant operated by the privately owned Linden Power Company (LPC), which is now in receivership.

Residents took to the streets in protest, in the process blocking the Wismar/Mackenzie Bridge which serves as an essential link for several sectors including, gold, lumber and bauxite.

The road to Omai was also blocked.

Following the shutdown of the LPC plant, the Government announced urgent measures to remedy the situation.

President Bharrat Jagdeo led a high-powered delegation to Linden last Friday, to meet residents and key stakeholders on the electricity situation.

President Jagdeo is scheduled to return to Linden today.

While in Linden on Friday, the President and Leader of the main Opposition People's National Congress Reform (PNC/R) Mr. Robert Corbin interacted for about 15 minutes on the Linden power situation at the Watooka Guest House.

The President also met key stakeholders at an official forum where concerns were raised.

Representatives came from LINMINE (Linden Mining Enterrise); the Linden Chamber of Commerce; the Mayor and Town Council; the Regional Administration, and several other interest groups.

After the briefing at the Watooka Guest House, the President accompanied by Mr. Corbin proceeded to the Wismar/Mackenzie bridge where he addressed the residents of Linden and listened to issues they raised.