Commercial vehicles entering Linden: Government considers 50% toll cut after Linden Council insists on vehicle charges 

The Central Government is considering a request from the Linden Town Council (LTC) to continue imposing tolls on commercial vehicles entering the municipality, at a rate reduced by 50 per cent from the initial charge.
This is according to a joint statement issued by the Guyana Government and the Town Council following a recent meeting.
“The LTC proposed a 50 per cent reduction in the tolls that were previously being charged. It was noted that this adjustment would not negatively affect cash flow to the LTC nor put any additional burdens on the private sector. The Government is committed to reviewing the new proposal from the LTC as well as working to have a full and complete understanding of the revenue and expenditure of the LTC,” the statement, issued on Thursday, outlines.
The issue stems from the Central Government’s recent shutdown of the toll collection for commercial vehicles entering the town. Reports indicate that Local Government and Regional Development Minister Priya Manickchand issued a letter to the Linden Town Clerk, ordering the Town Council to immediately cease the imposition and collection of tolls or other charges at the Kara Kara Public Road toll station. However, the Town Council protested this move, claiming that the loss of revenue will have significant impacts on its operations.
In August 2025, the LTC made similar complaints when the Government had removed tolls to cross three major bridges across the country, including the Wismar-Mackenzie Bridge.
Meanwhile, according to Thursday’s joint statement, the two sides discussed other matters relating to ensuring accountability, improved levels of service and operational efficiency at the LTC.
“Government received strong representation from Lindeners and the private sector about the cost of conducting business in the town of Linden brought about by the toll charges. It was established that the audited financial statements of the LTC are in significant backlog. This is to be corrected. There will be an examination to arrive at a clear understanding of revenue and expenditure, as the LTC was not in a position to pronounce on verifiable finances,” the statement outlined.
The meeting included President Dr Irfaan Ali, Minister Manickchand; Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh; Public Works Minister, Juan Edghill; and other members of the Government, along with Linden Mayor Dominique Blair and councillor Alister Wester; Town Clerk Lenox Gasper; and Treasurer Audrey Nelson. President Ali was in Linden for a two-day Cabinet outreach.