Not even an unexpected blackout could dim the energy in Linden last night as A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) supporters in Region 10 pressed ahead with their planned rally. The event drew an enthusiastic crowd to Wismar, undeterred by rain or the power outage, eager to hear from party leaders and candidates.
The rally began with spirited addresses from several speakers, including Linden Mayor Sharma Solomon, attorney Ronald Daniel, former Member of Parliament Nina Flue-Bess, and political commentator Dr. David Hinds. One by one, they stirred the audience with calls for unity and political change, building anticipation for the arrival of APNU’s Presidential Candidate, Aubrey Norton.
When Norton took the stage, he not only laid out a plan for the holistic development of the region but warned that a re-elected People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government would threaten Linden’s long-standing electricity subsidy. He contrasted that with his party’s pledge to maintain the subsidy while fostering new industries to diversify the local economy.
“We must remember our own Prime Minister Mark Phillips who came here saying they will put this on the national grid,” Norton said. “It is a nice way of saying to you, ‘we are removing the electricity subsidy in Linden.’ That must not happen. It must not!”
In July 2012, Linden became the epicentre of a fierce struggle against the government’s decision to sharply increase electricity tariffs in the mining town. Residents argued that the hike would deepen the already severe economic hardships in a community still reeling from the collapse of the bauxite industry. Protests erupted, with hundreds taking to the streets in defiance, blocking roads and demanding the reversal of the decision.
The demonstrations turned deadly on July 18, when police opened fire on unarmed protesters, killing three men — Ron Somerset, Shemroy Bouyea, and Allan Lewis — and injuring dozens more. Their deaths ignited nationwide outrage, symbolising for many the deep-seated grievances of Lindeners over decades of perceived neglect, economic strangulation, and political marginalisation.
As the struggle and police killings of 2012 hover over a community who vowed never to forget, Norton stressed that cheap electricity is essential for Linden’s growth, especially in developing industries beyond bauxite. “We are saying to you that wouldn’t happen under us. We want to see Linden progress. Linden has scope to develop other industries outside of bauxite, but it is heavily dependent on cheap electricity. And we will work assiduously to ensure that there is always cheap electricity in Linden. That is a promise to you,” he declared.
He also took the opportunity to remind the community, a stronghold of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), the main partner in APNU, that they have been the target of marginalisation and victimisation by the PPP/C. Norton urged that come September 1, residents must vote to end such treatment.
The history of Linden and Region 10 under successive PPP/C governments has been marked by wanton acts of discrimination. These include the closure of the bauxite industry and the dismantling of the bauxite workers’ pension plan worth more than $2.5 billion. This was the largest pool of money ever owned by a predominantly African workforce.
There has also been the economic strangulation of both the Regional Democratic Council and the Linden Mayor and Town Council. These policies have transformed a once prosperous town and thriving population into a depressed community.
The rally ended with cheers and chants of support, as attendees voiced their determination to protect the subsidy they see as vital to the region’s economic future and to vote for change in the upcoming elections.
