IN light of the recent conflict between the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL) and the Guyana Initiative Against Climate Change (GIACC) Incorporated in relation to the rescinding of the lease for over 500 acres of land in the vicinity of Kara Kara Blue Lake, the Linden Chamber of Industry and Commerce ( LCIC) has put forth a position that the Kara Kara Blue Lake and its environs should not be leased to any private investor, but should be left in the ownership of the residents, since it is indigenous to Linden and has become part of the town’s identity.

In a letter to GIACC, the LMTC outlined its support for the relocation of the project and has called on the investors to submit a letter of intent earliest, expressing their interest in going ahead with the project. “We would like to see a speedy settlement between the parties so that this project can see fruition,”

President of the LCIC, Victor Fernandes, affirmed the position that while the Chamber is not objecting to the GIACC’s investment of a mega renewable energy operation, which will be a plus to Linden, he believes that such a project should be relocated to a more suitable location, deemed safer environmentally and economically. “The Linden Chamber remains in support of the investment of the solar project; we consider it an important one to Linden that would bring many benefits to the town economically. Not only will it create jobs but it is also in keeping with President Granger’s initiative for a green Guyana,” Fernandes posited.

GIACC’s project will be powered by renewable energy and will encompass a 500-acre solar farm. It is expected to produce a variety of products and services for both local and overseas markets. Business Strategist for GIACC, Everton Forris, was quoted in the media as saying that GIACC plans to manufacture two types of fertilisers at the site, both using renewable energy and raw materials of air and water. The project includes a large acreage for solar cells, solar steam generation and other plants needed to manufacture fertilisers in large quantities.

The lease for this project, though initially approved, was rescinded by NICIL after the agency claimed that it would become an environmental hazard to not only the surrounding environment but Linden itself. This newspaper understands that the waste from the operations will affect the Blue Lakes, which is a tourism hot spot in Linden.

Additionally, the initially approved lease did not cater for the investors developing the spot as a tourism destination; ‘Blue Lake Bliss’, under the tagline clean, green fun, entertainment and jobs. This newspaper further understands that that was never part of the agreement between NICIL, as it is also on this basis that the lease was rescinded.

Fernandes is hoping that all parties involved can come to an amicable decision earliest as Linden cannot allow such a dynamic opportunity to pass by. He is hoping that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays an integral role in ensuring that suggested lands for relocation will be safer environmentally for the project. Fernandes pointed out that over 500 Lindeners are expected to be employed within six years if the projects come to fruition.