Bosai Minerals Group Guyana Inc (BMGGI) has proposed to build a 50-megawatt power plant in Linden – an initiative community leaders have welcomed, although they expressed concern about only being made aware of the plan during a recent visit to China.
Region 10 Chairman Sharma Solomon and Linden Mayor and Town Council Interim Management Committee (IMC) Chairman Orrin Gordon said they were optimistic about future investments in the community by China, after concluding the visit to that country.
The disclosure was made at a meeting with stakeholders on Monday at the Egbert Benjamin Centre in Linden. The meeting sought to update stakeholders from various institutions in the community on the outcome of the trip and possible areas of investments by China.
Early last year, Bosai announced a US$100 million expansion project, but there was no mention of a power plant. Natural Resources and Environment Minister Robert Persaud had told a news conference that the company will soon be undergoing massive expansion, which will result in hundreds of jobs being created.
Dissatisfaction
In his address, Gordon noted that an invitation was extended to both parties by the government of China for the visit; however, matters to be discussed were not highlighted. He noted that an itinerary was then prepared by himself and Solomon before their arrival, outlining matters to be discussed as it relates to future developments in Region 10.
In expressing dissatisfaction that the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and the Linden town council were unaware that the power plant investment was in the pipeline, Gordon said: “It’s important for stakeholders to be updated on these matters… we were so disappointed that we had to go to China to learn about this.”
The IMC chairman said: “The trip was extremely rewarding, as we did state clearly what the purpose of the visit was, that we wanted them to understand that we wanted to have investment opportunities, but, at the same time, we need to have mutual respect, understanding of each other’s culture, to ensure that at the end of the day, our laws are being followed and at the end of the day, we have benefits for our community.
“We cannot have so much of our resources being taken up and then at the end of the day, we are worse off…and we need to work with our national government in ensuring that.”
Gordon advised that a percentage of future investments should be given back to every aspect of the community, including health and education. He said once positive goals are set, in partnership with China , the Region 10 community, utilising the various stakeholder groups, can achieve much development.
“We can’t get there by giant steps, we will get there by taking small steps…”
Assurance
In his address, Solomon said that the Chinese indicated that once they are given the assurance to proceed with the power project, a feasibility study would then be completed within three months and the plant can be up and running within two months of completing the study. He noted that it was important for businesspeople, as well as farmers within the community to be properly educated to welcome these new initiatives. He asked for the involvement and participation of stakeholders, including the government and opposition, in adopting new perspectives, while calling for the support of the legal system, as well as specialists in ensuring that labour policies are followed.
Solomon further noted that the assistance of the Chinese government was sought for certain community developmental projects such as the beautification programme and the community research centre project.
