“OUR LIFE ENDS when we stop talking about the things that matter to us.” These were the words echoed by potential councillor and Mayor of Linden, Devin Sears. Running for councillor of constituency 3 under the APNU+AFC group, this 29-year-old dynamic young man said that his involvement in politics did not abruptly emerge, but after years of being displeased with the economic and social state of Linden, he finally decided to put the pot on the front burner. He revealed that he worked assiduously to overcome fear and doubt which he curbed through involvement in theatre and church activities. This provided a boost to his self-esteem and filled him with the courage needed to have a voice for those that had none. Currently a co-host on “Power up your mornings,” a radio programme reached by thousands in the mining town, founder of Divine Entertainment, chairman of Vybz Entertainment Incorporated and LICHAS Theatrical arts, franchise holder of Linden Town Week, and lecturer of the Linden Technical Institute, Mr. Sears is looking to add mayor to this portfolio. Though he is able to serve the people in various capacities, he is still determined to bring change to Linden especially the common man who does not have a voice.
“When I returned to Linden after studying I was not pleased with the state in which it was, to me nothing had changed and I said that I would do whatever I could to help and I was convinced that the only way change can come is by being in a position where I can help and that motivated me to run for this office,” posited Mr. Sears. He said that he was of the opinion that Linden was being marginalised by the former administration and there was no equal allocation of funds and this prompted him to join the opposition during that time. “I looked at that and weighed the option of the opposition and I spoke with some executives of AFC when they visited Linden in 2006 and I made a decision to join the party,” he said.
Mr. Sears who has been nominated to serve his community as councillor, will be looking to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. “This is something I genuinely hold deep in my heart and having the support from my family, even my six-year-old daughter who I discussed it with said daddy you have my support one hundred percent,” Sears revealed.
Once elected to office Devin Sears promised that equal opportunities will be provided to all residents as he strives to generate income from the various sectors. His candidate manifesto sets out to reduce the economic gap between the rich and poor, encourage sustainable farming, encourage safe practices for waste disposal, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions to a sustainable level, improving public infrastructure in the town, reviewing and revamping all Linden Mayor and Town Council institutions among others. He said “Now more than ever, Linden needs a strong APNU+AFC voice. We must protect our green spaces, create jobs, look for creative solutions to the massive shortage of affordable housing, attract large scale investments, modernise commercial areas and be transparent in accountability.”
Being integrally involved in church, he said that being God-fearing plays a vital role in him being genuine and a man of integrity. “I was baptised at the age of 11, becoming the youngest Sunday school teacher, worship leader, juniors fellowship leader, youth leader, worship leader, etc,” he revealed.
This young mayor hopeful is rallying hard for the votes of the electorate of his constituency, as he believes that over the next three years he will transform this beautiful town of Linden to one which will be second to none. “Through my leadership, advances in agriculture, aquaculture, tourism and investment will be made.”