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Linden is still being denied the return of its TV station

Dear Editor, The 21st August 2012 agreement between central government and the Regional Democratic Council, Region 10 was marked with the citizens’ blood and lives and the destruction of properties. The opposition APNU and AFC rode on the passion and determination of a people who stood up against successive regimes that set out, in every way, to marginalise them because of their identity and political persuasions.

To bring about normalcy during the protest the APNU and AFC sat at the table. The signing of the agreement between central and regional governments saw Rupert Roopnaraine signing as the APNU’s representative and Nigel Hughes for the AFC, giving the parties’ support for its implementation. Citizens must now question whether these gestures were intended to gain political mileage on the backs of a struggling people.

After the signing, the then opposition joined with the people in consistently calling on the Donald Ramotar government to honour and implement the agreement. The 2015 elections campaign saw the agreement used as a rallying call in mobilising Region 10 and afar against the PPP/C, and commitment given that an APNU+AFC government will not only honour and implement it, but will govern by honouring agreements, respecting laws and the people’s rights.

The 2012 agreement speaks to three very important elements:- i) the development of an economic plan for the region; ii) examination and development of an energy plan; and iii) return of the television dish 14 days after its signing. Since the APNU+AFC came to office it can confidently be said no positive effort has been made to have this agreement honoured and implemented.

It would take nothing for the government to establish the Economic Committee to carry out a study and develop a plan for Region 10, as President Granger talks about developing flags and emblems in recognition of each region. It would help if the President’s intention is not only seen as symbolic but an earnest desire for each region’s development, using the intellectual capabilities and other resources at its disposal.

The government is talking about