THE mining town of Linden has recently been categorised as a prospective world tourism destination by the United Nations. One of the hallmarks of this categorisation is the myriad aqua-coloured lakes nestled amongst the part-sand-part-clay hills of the mined-out remains of once bauxite-rich areas.
These “blue lakes”, as they’ve been called from time immemorial, have always been highlighted as one of Linden’s main attractions, but to the minds of many, they have not been properly marketed, and their potential for tourism development in the mining town has not been fully exploited.
Being a resident of Linden all my life, I have always admired the “blue lakes” from afar or via photographs.
Then again, I’d grown so accustomed to catching a glimpse of them on my daily sojourn to and from Amelia’s Ward that I never really fully appreciated them, to the extent that I’d want to get up close and personal. Until now!
So, camera in tow, I decided to take a trip to one of the mined-out areas where there are several “blue lakes”.

EUREKA!
To my surprise, I was assailed on arrival by such an overwhelming feeling of tranquility, that my appreciation for this untapped source of tourism potential was instantly awakened.
The journey took no more than 20 minutes by bus, but because of the ambience, the smell of fresh air, the captivating sandy-clayey feel of the hills, I needed to pause a bit so I could stare my fill at the scenic vista before me.

It was too surreal to take in all at once, and in so short a time. The Man-made, vegetation-strewn hills are as a result of the stripping of the overburden to get to the bauxite below.
Standing a stone’s throw from the lakes made me realise that such unique beauty cannot be found anywhere else in Guyana; that we have our very own little Caribbean-like beaches right here in Linden; that the only unfortunate thing is that one cannot swim in the water, given its high chemical concentration.
Linden Mayor, Carwyn Holland had previously recommended the commencement of “air-tour” operations in these areas, which would allow tourists and visitors to take in the beautiful scenery below.
The ‘blue-lake’ areas can also be used for photo-shoots and movie settings among other options in the film industry. A few months back, a couple took the gamble of hosting their wedding ceremony in these locations, and it was indeed a wonderful sight to behold. There were no regrets in doing so.
Of late, many photographers have taken to utilising the ‘blue lakes’ for pageantry, pre-marital and maternity photo-shoots.

TOURISM POTENTIAL
President of the Linden Chamber of Commerce, Kevin Deyoung during a recent interview alluded to the need to develop Linden’s tourism potential and the economic benefits to be derived from doing so.
“Linden is blessed with blue-water lakes; there are people from all around Guyana who have never seen this sort of thing,” Deyoung said.
]He, however, alluded to that fact that the major stakeholders in Linden need to work in unison for this development to take place. He believes that they are working in isolation, and this is stymieing progress in Linden.
“The RDC, MTC, NGOs, Linden Enterprise Network, banking institutions and large companies need to collaborate more for the betterment of Linden,” Deyoung affirmed.
In addition to the “blue lakes”, Linden also has beautiful valleys, other lakes, fresh-water springs, black-water creeks, flora and fauna among other natural blessings that, if exploited, can help develop Linden’s tourism industry, and Linden can indeed become a world-rated tourism destination.