MINISTER of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud has stated that the Guyana Government remains optimistic that the current situation in the mining town of Linden will not negatively impact on investments by the bauxite company, BOSAI, in light of its planned investment. The minister’s comment came during a press briefing at the ministry on Monday, at which he stated that, “…we will take those discussions when we resolve what is before us right now (Linden situation), as we remain adamant on getting the operations back in full scale.”
BOSAI recently announced its intention to invest US$200M  by 2015. This will see a drastic increase in employment opportunities as approximately 1000 jobs are to be created directly and indirectly from this investment.
Apart from that, a further US$15M will be spent in benefits and wages for workers.
The Natural Resources and  Environment minister added that while discussions are ongoing with the company’s principals in China, as well as with RUSAL, with regard to future plans, the focus at present is to have operations resume.
Since the protest actions which commenced on July 18, operations at BOSAI have been halted, leaving hundreds of workers on the breadline, while contractual commitments are also at stake.
Minister Persaud has reiterated his call for the current situation to be resolved as livelihoods are at stake, as a result of the blockades.