PERHAPS, now is the time for the residents and others to determine whether Linden will indeed become the gateway to the development of the interior regions instead of a bypass. This decision principally belongs to residents of Linden and how they can best navigate their way out of a critical situation with government. The mistakes of the past must be learned and common- sense, reasonableness and fairness must be the basis of any agreement or the future role of Linden will suffer if the other regions future development seems threatened.
A recent letter writer pointed out how our country is susceptible to serious political pressures from any unrest in Linden. Access to the mining and other areas depend on travel through the Linden area. Food, transportation and fuel should not become weapons in any disputes in any area. This appears to be happening in the dispute about electricity rates and the resulting deaths of protesters. The Commission of Inquiry, the suspension of electricity rate increase pending a study, potential agricultural projects, renewal of LEN and a micro-credit scheme seem to be a good start in satisfying and making Linden the town it should be. Some of these things were talked about by government but why not implemented before is unclear. Shortsighted local leadership may result in Linden being bypassed due to sheer necessity to reach other regions. Lindeners must stand up for what is best for them in the long run and not be used by others for personal and political gain.