The government and the Mayor and Town Council of Linden have opened discussions on the municipality’s financial accountability and a proposal to reduce toll charges by 50%, following concerns from residents and businesses about the cost of operating in the town.
Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Priya Manickchand, Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service Dr. Ashni Singh, Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill and other government officials met with Linden Mayor Dominique Blair, Alister Wester, Town Clerk Lenox Gasper and Treasurer Audrey Nelson.
The meeting formed part of the government’s commitment to strengthening accountability, improving service delivery and enhancing operational efficiency within the municipality.
During the engagement, government officials raised concerns conveyed by Linden residents and members of the private sector about the cost of doing business in the town, particularly the impact of toll charges on commercial activity.
The discussions come amid an ongoing debate over the collection of tolls at the Kara Kara Public Road. Manickchand had directed the Town Council to cease collecting the tolls, while the council maintained that the charges were being collected under the Linden Town Council (Toll) By-Laws of 2016.
Against that backdrop, the Town Council proposed a 50% reduction in the tolls previously charged.
It was noted during the meeting that the proposed adjustment would not negatively affect the council’s cash flow while also avoiding additional financial burdens on the private sector.
Financial accountability at the municipality also featured prominently in the discussions.
It was established that the Town Council’s audited financial statements are significantly in arrears, an issue that is to be corrected.
The government and municipality will now work to establish a clear and verifiable picture of the council’s revenue and expenditure. At the meeting, the council was not in a position to definitively pronounce on its financial position based on verifiable financial information.
The government has committed to reviewing the council’s new toll proposal while working with the municipality to obtain a full and accurate understanding of its finances.
The issue comes against the backdrop of the government’s broader policy of eliminating tolls on major crossings as part of efforts to reduce transportation costs for citizens and businesses.
On Aug. 1, 2025, tolls were removed from the Demerara Harbour Bridge, Berbice River Bridge and Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge in Linden. The measure was aimed at reducing transportation costs, increasing disposable income and supporting greater economic activity.
The Linden Town Council has maintained that the loss of toll revenue has implications for its finances and its ability to meet municipal obligations.
The government and Town Council have committed to continued engagement, including a review of the proposed 50% reduction in toll charges and a comprehensive examination of the municipality’s revenue and expenditure.
The process is expected to provide a clearer understanding of the council’s financial position while addressing concerns about the cost of doing business in Linden and ensuring the municipality can effectively deliver services to residents.