Above: Guyana President Donald Ramotar in Linden

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Rebuilding the battered area of Linden is a priority for Guyana’s government, President Donald Ramotar said during his visit this week to scene of almost a month of unrest.

“We have to work extra hard to build back the confidence in this community with [a] skilled workforce, hard-working and dedicated people, to build back Linden as a safe destination for investment,” he said.

Ramotar was joined by Public Works Minister Robeson Benn and two advisors on the trip to Linden, a centre of bauxite mining that was thrown into chaos following the escalation of protests over a hike in electricity tariffs.

The protests and according violence led to the deaths of three people and the fiery destruction of a school that had served 830 students.

Also destroyed were years of history, however, including 100 years of engineering records and records validating Guyana’s National Insurance Scheme.

Benn said the Kara Kara Bridge, which heavily damaged, would need repairs. The Wismar/MacKenzie Bridge could also need rehabilitation.