Prime Minister hails Linden couple’s indomitable entrepreneurial spirit
–sees investment as ‘another expression of investor confidence in economy’

THE opening Saturday of J & C Renaissance Banquet Hall, in Ameila’s Ward, Linden, has been seen as yet another testimony of investor confidence in the local economy.

According to Prime Minister, Mr Samuel Hinds, who commissioned the building, the initiative also bears evidence that Linden is progressing, and is on par with other parts of the country in terms of development.

“It brings great pleasure to us in government to see progress taking place; an event such as this shows that someone has made a judgment, and has made an investment after seeing that Linden is advancing and progressing, and not too far behind compared to other parts of the country.”
Prime Minister Hinds said that as a Government, working to improve standards of living in the country is a priority, and will always be the end-point to which the administration works.
“We recognised that the achievements are firstly that of people; you may think of government handing out monies, but we only hand out what we receive in taxes,” he said. “So, the role of government, on receiving revenue, is to try to put in the infrastructure, and the general condition that would encourage persons to see opportunity and make investments such as this one.”
The banquet hall has been deemed by the Prime Minister as a good example of development for the mining town. And conceding that Linden has had its fair share of challenges, like the rest of the country, PM Hinds noted that the community has withstood the tests, and continues to progress.
“We have moved on from those days of being a ‘Company Town’; this is a transformation that communities face all over the world,” he said, adding: “Most communities start on a single activity; but all situations change. And after some time, the conditions change, and the initial activity is no longer profitable, and there is the challenge of moving on and developing new activities.”
The Prime Minister cited the Amelia’s Ward community as a sign of development in Linden, and considered it “a match for similar communities across the Coast.”
“We in Government have been paying attention to Linden, and we believe that Linden should share equally in what we have,” he said, adding: “And, overall, we are pleased with the developments that have been occurring in Linden. We would like to see some more economic activities; it’s a job for both of us, making it attractive for investors to come.”
The Prime Minister pointed out that these investments seek to build the economic base of the community, which it serves while at the same time creating employment opportunities.
“Some of us provide different services that are needed and this activity here exemplifies what we need to do. We Guyanese want a better life; we have to look at needs in our community, regions and look to satisfy those needs in an excellent way.”
Mr. Hinds also took the opportunity to congratulate the proprietors of the Banquet Hall, Janice and Carlson Mc Almont on the venture.
The new facility will serve the community, and moreso the youths, as Mrs. Mc Almont has indicated that soon, a programme targeting youths would be launched. She explained that there will be session on etiquette, proper dress codes, catering and craft sessions will be offered at the facility.

(GINA)