A recent warning by Leader of the Opposition, Aubrey Norton of power subsidy removal in Linden, an opposition stronghold, has been weakened with the House today approving the sum of $1.7 billion in supplementary funds to the Linden Electricity Company Inc (LECI) in Region 10.
Norton has been at the forefront since earlier this year, leading the charge in condemning the government’s alleged plan to remove the electricity subsidy from the people of Linden. Back in July 2012, the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) attempted to hike electricity rates in the town resulting in a 36- day protest, which led to the shooting deaths of Ron Sommerset, Shemroy Bouyea and Allan Lewis.
Following Norton’s warning, the PPP/C government issued statements assuring Lindeners that it has no intention of removing the subsidy, accusing the opposition leader of rabblerousing.
According to Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips today, the additional $1.7 billion was expended to subsidise the rise in fuel cost to ‘keep the lights on in Linden.’
“As a caring government, we have decided that notwithstanding the increased cost of fuel, the government will absorb that cost and not pass it on to the people… “That is the only reason we have requested these monies,” the PM stated.
He further explained that the electricity is generated from the Bosai Minerals Group, which requested the additional sum due to the rise in fuel cost.
Opposition Member of Parliament (MP), David Patterson questioned the reason for the funds being sought under the contingency fund.
The Prime Minister explained that the government has a responsibility to ensure that the necessary resources are made available for adequate electricity supply in the mining town.
“We don’t want to have a situation where Bosai cannot supply electricity and then we are running to get money or asking Bosai to continue to provide electricity while we try to get the money and the people of Linden suffer for a period of time without electricity,” PM Phillips told the House.
The government is seeking the National Assembly’s approval for supplementary provisions totalling over $4.7 billion for developmental projects countrywide.
