New businesses making positive impact
One of the two newly-opened supermarkets, and the auto spares and motorcycle store
One of the two newly-opened supermarkets, and the auto spares and motorcycle store

–helping stabilise the township’s economy

THE mining town of Linden has seen the establishment of several new businesses over the past months, and while the economy has not skyrocketed, it is safe to say that there is some kind of stability.
The new businesses, which include two new supermarkets, a motorcycle and auto spares shop as well as a number of grocery stores and small shopping plazas, have created avenues for a greater cash-flow in Linden.
This is because residents can now access goods and services right at their handreach, rather than having to travel to Georgetown to access them.
In addition, the new businesses have created employment of sorts for those out-of-work youths, thereby boosting spending power in the township, and contributing significantly to the chain of spending.
Mr Zu, the owner of the newly opened Convenience Supermarket, located on River Side Drive, Mackenzie, told the Guyana Chronicle that he was encouraged by a friend to set up shop in Linden and finally did so two months ago.
He said it’s a decision he hasn’t regretted even though another supermarket was established there mere months before. “Business reasonable; I have no regrets, people come and buy,” Zu said.
The Supermarket has in its employ four persons, and the owners plan to hire a few more, once business improves.
Recently opened on Mora Street is Linden’s first motorcycle store, which has been favourably received by the Linden community since residents no longer have to journey to Georgetown to purchase motorcycles.
Ms Sue Ann Lyle, proprietress of Foreign Links Auto Spares and Motorcycle Shop said that the motivation to establish the business came from the very customers who frequent the store.
“Journeying to Georgetown cost them a lot, like in passage and so on. You might also have to eat something, but don’t have the time… And there is no other store like this is Linden, so we decided to meet the customers’ needs,” Lyle said.
NOT BAD AT ALL

Since the store’s opening in January, she said the support has been favourable, as the bikes are sold at an affordable cost. “The customers are not complaining; they are getting services done,” she said, adding:
“As you’ll notice, we have the mechanics right across there… You come, you purchase and you get to service right there.”
‘Foreign Links’ has employed three young persons since its establishment, and Lyle is encouraging other entrepreneurs to set up shop in Linden.
“Linden is a place where people spend,” she said. “Once there is commodity, they spend. And once you are an entrepreneur and you want to come up with something, come up with something that is new and would be in demand.
“In that way, you would not falter; you would find success.”
Foreign Links is currently constructing a 24-hour restaurant at Five Corner, where truck drivers and pork-knockers normally stop for a break on their way to the various hinterland locations.
The restaurant will offer hot and cold meals and a rest-room service where persons can have a bath and even a rest before commencing another stretch of their journey.
MORE IN STORE
With the establishment of the new businesses and with the Linden Enterprise Network offering many potential and existing entrepreneurs small business loans, the town of Linden that was once seen as ailing economically is beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel.
Regional Chairman, Mr Renis Morian is encouraging residents to take advantage of the lending institutions available in Linden and commence at the ‘micro’ scale.
“I am happy to see people going back to their chicken pens; and there is also an increase in interest for agriculture,” Morian said.
And wtith the imminent construction of the Linden to Lethem Road and hundreds of housing units, Linden’s economy is also expected to benefit tremendously.
According to President of the Linden Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Kevin De Young, many Lindeners will be the first to gain employment from the projects.
The road will see Linden being dubbed not only the gateway to the interior, but to Brazil as well, and will therefore attract scores of foreign investors.
This will boost Linden’s tourism, agricultural, business, manufacturing and construction sector.

 

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All our printed editions are available online
emblem3
Subscribe to the Guyana Chronicle.
Sign up to receive news and updates.
We respect your privacy.