Following the President's demand for the roads to be cleared to facilitate his intended visit to Linden today, residents have clearly stated their refusal to clear the major block at the Kara Kara Bridge.
Regional Chairman Sharma Solomon had told residents of the President's requirement in the presence of Assistant Superintendent Gavin Primo last night. However residents are against the President's plan to meet with them at the Watooka House, stating that this facility would be too small for all of the persons who would want to be present. They have instead suggested that the meeting be held at Amelia's Ward, eliminating the necessity for the removal of the block at Kara Kara prior to an agreement being reached, and have committed to walkng from as far as Wisroc to meet with the President there. The Chairman has expressed concern at the fact that the electricity tariff increase has been put "on hold", stating that this could mean its implementation shortly after residents remove the road blocks.
The road into Linden has been cleared up to the Kara Kara bridge and buses departing for Georgetown are collecting passengers at that location.
Meanwhile, two pickup trucks and a 30 seater bus full of soldiers drove up to the Kara Kara bridge this morning at approx. 07:30 hrs, and after a short conversation with residents at the road block turned around and departed (
A helicopter marked GDF 1 is circling in the vicinity of the Watooka Club and came to a hover stop in front of the Linden Hospital Complex. The fire tender from the Linden Fire Station has also passed here and is now at the Watooka Club.
Leon Martin Roberts:
The helicopter has reportedly landed at the MSC Ground, with only one army rank emerging to head over into the Mackenzie Police Station.
The fire tender is parked at the Watooka Club and the Regional Executive Officer is here as well. Also here are known PPP/C operatives, including Mr. Eon Halls who reportedly bears the designation of Prime Minister's Representative. However there is no obvious security presence here.
Security forces have, with the help of heavy machinery, cleared the major blockage at the Kara Kara Bridge. Residents have responded with great anger, declaring that the security forces will be compelled to clear similar blockages every day. The reports also indicate that one of the safety rails on the bridge was demolished in this exercise. The security forces are said to be heading to remove other blocks along the road going out of Linden in the direction of Amelia's Ward