Mayor of Linden, Dominique Blair, has called for stronger collaboration and urgent financial support, warning that the town faces mounting fiscal pressure as it purses sustainable economic transformation.
Speaking at the launch of the Linden Business Expo 2026, Blair said the removal of tolls from the Mackenzie–Wismar Bridge had dealt a significant blow to municipal revenues.
He urged the central government to honour prior commitments and engage in meaningful dialogue to secure the town’s long-term financial stability.
“When the toll was removed, we were given assurance that measures would be put in place … however, today, those assurances remain unmet,” Blair said.
He said the council is now grappling with “severe financial constraints”, including difficulties in meeting payroll and maintaining essential services.
While the municipality continues to invest in drainage, flood mitigation, street lighting and public safety, Blair said sustained development would require more robust financial backing.
Addressing the forum, Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency and Implementation, Zulfikar Ali, said the government remained open to working with the council to identify new revenue streams.
“The toll is a hardship on the people … so while we have reduced that burden, let’s work together to find new ways to increase the council’s revenue stream,” Ali said.
The Mackenzie–Wismar Bridge was among several across Guyana made toll-free from August 1 last year. Officials have since called for alternative revenue measures and continued consultations with the government.
