–APNU responsible for the decline of Linden, President Ali says
–highlights waves of development, gov’t investment in the region

DURING its five years in government, the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) made little or no investment in Linden— a significant stronghold of the party— putting thousands on the breadlines due to its poor planning and policies, according to President, Dr. Irfaan Ali.

President Ali, during a recent signing ceremony for the US$35 million Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge, said that Lindeners must hold the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR)-led APNU accountable for the downturn whilst it was in government.
Examining the period 2015-2020, he said that due to the coalition’s lack of foresight and poor decision-making, essential services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure deteriorated during those five years.

He highlighted the transformative strides undertaken by the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government to rectify past wrongs and outlined the transformative strides made under the current government.
President Ali commenced his address by presenting a stark reality – the decline that unfolded during the APNU’s tenure in Linden.

“In May 2015, when the PPP/C demitted office, bauxite was being produced in both Linden and the Berbice River, with two major international companies, BOSAI and RUSAL, operating the mines at those two locations,” he said.
The President didn’t mince words, pointing out the consequence of five years of APNU governance.

“During the course of the five years of the last government, more than 1,000 workers lost their jobs in this industry,” he said.
The decline was palpable, with bauxite production grinding to a halt, leaving thousands unemployed.

LINDEN’S RESURGENCE
Contrasting the bleak scenario left by the APNU, President Ali transitioned to the resurgence initiated by his government upon assuming office.
“Today, only after three years of assuming office, the PPP/C is once again working to attract and retain investors in bauxite,” he proudly announced.

The President highlighted the tangible signs of progress, citing the recent commissioning of a new US$120 million kiln at Linden.
“In three years, we brought back the confidence that one investor invested US$120 million,” he declared.
The President underscored the launch of the MAZ (Metallurgical Grade Bauxite) project, promising 500 new jobs in Linden.

INVESTMENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES
President Ali backed his words with comprehensive data, focusing on key sectors. Urban roads, which languished during the APNU era, became a priority for the current administration.

“In five years, investing $289 million, 85 per cent of which came after the no-confidence motion, against a government in three years, a government that you did not overwhelmingly vote for, invested $3 billion in you,” the President stated, revealing a stark contrast in developmental strategies.

The President delved into specific projects, like the new US$35 million Mackenzie/Wismar Bridge, which symbolises not only improved infrastructure but also increased economic activity.
He highlighted the exponential growth in bridge usage, from 768,000 crossings in 2020 to over 1.5 million crossings, signifying positive change and heightened economic prospects.

REVITALISING CALL CENTRES
President Ali also shed light on the closure of the call centre during the APNU era, only to be operationalised once again under the current government.
“When we left in 2015, we left a functioning call centre with many people employed in that call centre,” he recalled.

“Within three years, we have operationalised back that call centre and working to expand it now. Who are working there? Young people from Region 10,” Dr. Ali said.
He related that the revival of the call centre serves as a testament to the PPP/C government’s commitment to creating employment opportunities and fostering economic independence, particularly among the youth of Linden.

ADDRESSING SOCIAL WELFARE
Moving on, President Ali touched on crucial social welfare aspects, particularly education.
He compared the APNU’s five-year investment of $226 million in the Ministry of Education to the PPP/C’s remarkable $2 billion injection in the last three years. The emphasis was clear – investing in the future through education.

He cited specific examples of successful initiatives that have been launched in recent years and expressed a commitment to continue this work in the future.
One of those initiatives is the “Because We Care” cash grant to parents of children attending school, which was introduced by the PPP/C to offset expenses associated with children attending school.

However, this initiative was discontinued by the former APNU regime, and was recommenced when the PPP/C returned to office in 2020.

“They removed $10,000 per child in this region, and it costs $100 million. They took away $100 million from the children in Linden. That is what they did. What did we do? They took away the 100 million, and in the three years we [PPP/C] came back in office, under this initiative alone, we gave back the children and we give them three and a half times more,” the President said.

Under the 2023 budget, parents and guardians of 214,000 school children received $40,000, which amounts to $8.6 billion. For Linden alone, $1 billion was spent on the cash grant.
The President also debunked claims of handouts, stressing that the grant was a rightful entitlement for the children of Linden.

“This is your entitlement from a government that has been elected to serve you,” he asserted, countering the opposition’s narratives that seek to undermine genuine government initiatives.

AGRICULTURE, SMALL BUSINESS, AND HEALTH
President Ali moved on to highlight the agricultural sector, an area of immense potential for Linden.
He outlined a visionary agri-innovation and hydroponics programme, earmarked with a $200 million investment.

The programme aims to create agri-business owners, fostering economic independence and sustainability.
The President didn’t shy away from addressing the health sector, showcasing the government’s commitment to holistic development.

In just three years, the Ministry of Human Services’ investment in Region 10 exceeded $179 million, more than double the APNU’s $80 million over five years.

PHILOSOPHY OF INCLUSIVITY
In a passionate call for unity, President Ali urged Lindeners to base their decisions on facts and truth rather than succumbing to divisive propaganda. He underscored the philosophy of being just leaders, transcending political lines.

“Today, my friends of Region 10, let the truth guide your action. Do not let the social media posts, the propaganda, the lies, the desperation that is utilised as a weapon to divide us, ever and influence you in making your decision,” he implored.

FUTURE PROSPECTS
President Ali concluded his address by outlining the promising future awaiting Linden. He hinted at upcoming innovative projects for the youth, expansion of borders, and the bridging of the Berbice River.

The President’s words resonated with optimism, as he told the villagers of his vision of a prosperous future for Linden as the PPP/C government continues its commitment to inclusive development.

He urged Lindeners to “face the facts” of the historical challenges under the PNC-led-APNU+AFC, as he had laid out the evidence of a comprehensive account of the PPP/C government’s proactive measures to revitalise and uplift Linden, Region 10 in just under three years.