THE Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), in a carefully worded statement issued Friday, says it is deeply concerned about the prevailing situation in the mining town of Linden despite the every effort of the government and other concerned parties to resolve it. “It has been more than a week since three protestors were fatally shot, and despite negotiations between the Government, opposition parties and the Regional Democratic Council of Linden, the social environment in Linden has not returned to normalcy,” the Chamber says in it missive.
Particularly disturbing, the Chamber says, is the fact that not only is access to the town still blocked, but permission now has to be sought “from unknown entities and individuals” to gain entry, which situation does not augur well for business.
As a consequence, the Chamber says, alternative routes involving more costly means have had to be used, leaving some businesses unable to meet their contractual obligations to customers and suppliers; some even face the risk of losing their contracts and markets, especially those of an export-oriented nature.
Moreover, the organization is in receipt of numerous complaints from businesses operating in Linden saying that they have been unable to operate for over a week, and this is putting immense pressure on their financial health. Some are fearful that if the situation persists, they will have to close their establishments permanently.
The Chamber says that while it recognises the right to peaceful and legal civil protest and action, members think this should not infringe on the rights of other citizens to conduct their businesses and activities.
In light of the foregoing, it says: “We therefore call on all the stakeholders involved to be responsible and ensure that there is free passage and movement through Region 10. Additionally, we call on the Government and authorities to ensure that law and order prevails in Linden.”