In a recent announcement, the president revealed plans to make all tolls on bridges in the country free of charge, including the Wismar/Mackenzie Bridge in Linden. This decision has received strong support from Linden’s Member of Parliament (MP), Jermaine Figueira, who described it as a step in the right direction for the welfare of citizens.
“I strongly endorse and support this decision,” said Figueira, reflecting on his earlier call during the 2025 budget presentation in January, where he had advocated for the toll removals long before the completion of the new four-lane bridge under construction.
“I see the president’s decision as magnanimous and mature, accepting positions that will bring greater relief to the people, even if from an opposition member,” he added.
The MP emphasized that such actions demonstrate a commitment to public welfare over short-term fiscal concerns. “More such decisions should be taken with several other opposition proposals,” he stated.
One of the primary reasons for Figueira’s support is the longstanding issue of double tolls in Linden, where two tolls are charged within a mile radius of each other. This policy, which has been in place for years, has created significant economic strain on residents, particularly those on the Wismar shore and in the interior communities. The imposition of two tolls has driven up the prices of goods and services and, in some cases, led businesses to avoid serving certain areas due to the high costs of tolls.
“The double toll situation, which has existed for several years in Linden, has had the unfortunate negative effect of increased prices on goods and services, especially for residents on the Wismar shore and the interior communities,” Figueira explained. “Some impacted products and services are involuntarily denied to residents on the western shore and beyond, because of some businesses not wanting to, or unable to, pay twice, especially the Council’s Kara Kara toll which is pegged at several thousands of dollars per truck added to additional bridge toll costs.”
With the tolls now abolished, the policy is expected to reduce the financial burdens on citizens and stimulate regional development. Figueira believes that the removal of tolls will help foster growth in commerce, trade, tourism, manufacturing, and other economic sectors, benefiting not only Linden but the wider region.
“Toll removal is a progressive economic strategy that directly benefits low- and middle-income households,” he said. “Tolls function as regressive taxes, disproportionately affecting those for whom daily bridge crossings are essential for employment, education, healthcare, and commerce.”
Research has backed this argument, with a 2021 World Bank study on transportation equity revealing that tolls consume up to 10% of monthly income for low-wage workers in developing economies, exacerbating poverty. By eliminating these fees, the policy aims to redistribute disposable income to households, allowing for greater participation in local economies and benefiting small businesses, especially those in logistics, transport, retail, and agriculture.
Figueira singled out Linden as one of the communities that stands to benefit the most from this toll-free decision, given the Wismar/Mackenzie Bridge’s role as a critical lifeline for residents. “In the case of Linden, therefore, where the Wismar/Mackenzie Bridge serves as a lifeline, residents are bound to feel tangible relief from this decision,” he affirmed.
However, the MP also acknowledged the concerns regarding potential revenue losses for municipalities. To address this, Figueira has called for proactive fiscal reforms to ensure continued economic growth for Linden and other municipalities. He has suggested that the government approve proposals by the Linden Municipal Council for the establishment of new commercial and economic zones, particularly in communities like Amelia’s Ward, which lacks a designated market or space for commercial activities.
“Amelia’s Ward, for example, is the largest community in Linden and arguably in the region, yet it doesn’t have a market nor an officially designated space for commercial engagements,” he pointed out. Additionally, he recommended the creation of an industrial and manufacturing zone along the Linden to Lethem corridor to further boost economic growth.
Figueira also suggested that the government consider expanding the tax jurisdictions of municipalities to help offset the loss of toll revenue. “If the government holds firm on not allowing for increases of taxes through property revaluation, then they should allow for reforms to be introduced that allow for exponential reach of municipal tax jurisdictions within the ever-expanding municipalities,” he said.
By incorporating previously exempt areas, such as those in Block 22, Phase B Wisroc, and other communities, into the municipal tax base, Figueira believes Linden’s revenue base can be significantly boosted without imposing additional financial burdens on residents. These areas are also in need of essential municipal services like garbage collection, which the local council could provide at a lower cost than private operators, further contributing to the revenue stream.
Figueira praised the president’s decision as a victory for the people and emphasized the importance of infrastructure as a means to improve living standards. “The President’s decision reaffirms a timeless truth: that infrastructure exists not as a revenue stream but as a conduit for human dignity and collective advancement,” he concluded.
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