THE recent agreement clinched on cooperation between the Linden and Rupununi chambers of commerce and industry is a progressive and most welcome step.
It is no secret that commercial and economic activities in the Rupununi are on the upswing, particularly since the completion of the Takutu Bridge which links Guyana and its giant South American neighbour, Brazil.
Commerce will also be spurred in Linden, which is a gateway to the Rupununi, and when the Linden-Lethem road is upgraded and paved, there will be significant increases in the movement of goods, services and people between the two points.
It is, therefore, only logical that the two bodies enter into a cooperation pact as it will bring benefits to businesses in both communities.
“It is indeed symbolic of the historic and ongoing desires of the residents of Rupununi to find markets for their goods and produce on the coastal belt,” Rupununi Chamber President, Mr. Alfred Ramsarran noted.
His Linden counterpart, Mr. Marvin Burns, confirmed it was an historic collaborative move by the two sides to make full use of all the opportunities to be derived from the Linden-Lethem roadway and the link with Brazil.
And in their talks, the two chambers looked at six areas of concern — infrastructure, commerce, tourism, agriculture, environment and services, before arriving at mutual positions on each.
For too long, commercial and industrial activities have been concentrated on the coastal belt, resulting in under-development in the interior communities.
But what is taking place will help to break with that trend and foster socio-economic development in the hinterland communities which is an imperative in the fight against poverty and efforts to have an equitable distribution of wealth and services.
The paved road is vital in this transformation and the bodies should work closely with the government to bring this project to fruition as soon as possible.
This has been acknowledged by the Rupununi Chamber members who said an improved Linden-Lethem road is of continuous interest, as that would reduce costs associated with time, loss of perishables and heavy wear and tear of vehicles transporting goods from Georgetown.
And in this regard, the chambers are to draft a proposal to the government for an enhanced maintenance programme for the route, which must include their access to increased funding, as well.
An efficient and well-established network of roads is desired for promoting trade and commerce in any country and it fulfills the needs of a sound transportation system for sustained economic development.
The Rupununi and Linden chambers must be commended for their foresight in moving to take full advantage of the upgraded Linden-Lethem road when it comes to fruition.