LINDEN, apart from New Amsterdam, can lay claim to being the most well-known of the nation’s municipalities.

Enshrined in the national industrial order as the Mining Town, because of its internationally known bauxite mining activity, this enclave was once a developed and self-sufficient community,  known as the geographic space, where the “fattest’’ pay cheques were paid; and good pensions to retirees were assured. And this was best borne out because as an industrial community, the entity had the best collective of technical personnel, of significant Guyanese numbers and expatriates, whether in the form of engineers, many multiple trained; sociologists; administrative specialists, medical doctors, and other related expertise that made for the daily operations of an important cog in the national economy.
Since we are aware of the post-independent history of an entity that became subsequently owned by the Guyanese people, an exercise of  national sovereign right that was fully supported by the late Dr Cheddi Jagan, the then leader of the  People’s Progressive Party/ Civic(PPP/C), much will not detain us. Except that such a decision brought swift retaliation from the international powers that be. This was further exacerbated by the gradual slump of world bauxite prices, which would have dire consequences for mining, employment, and socio-economic life of the community.

Its glory days gradually came to an end, as it began to slide into the category of a depressed community, with zero employment opportunities available, and hardships that dampened the once social vibrancy of citizens who were known for their militancy, and enterprise to national development.

Memories are not too foggy, so as to forget the over two decades of glaring neglect of a community, whose constant pleas and calls for help to an uncaring PPP/C government were ignored; but which responded with deadly force when Lindeners in their thousands protested a decision for them to pay normal energy charges. It was quite obvious that Linden was being punished, for not accepting the political overtures from the then PPP/C administration.

But those depressing days are coming to an end, as Linden and its citizens are now on the rise, up from the ground of being a community where employment opportunities were once non-existent, and youths especially were without hope. There is now a better, certain hope for a brighter future, manifest since the change of government in 2015.

This air of confidence was best exemplified by the report in March, of investors flocking to Linden. Already, this trend is evident by the opening of four supermarkets, a new gas station, an international restaurant, auto spares and motor cycle store, and an insurance company. This has begun to bring much- needed employment to what had once been described as a gloomy town, as well as causing very scarce finances to circulate in increased volumes.

Minister of State within the Ministry of the Presidency, the Honourable Joseph Harmon, mirrored this optimism during his address to the opening of the mining town, Linden Town Day activities, at which the diverse technical and cultural skills on display, reflected a new-found confidence among the town’s folk.

Referencing President David Granger’s advice given at the unveiling of the  Centenniel Bauxite Arch, sometime ago, the minister  noted that he was happy that the town’s “citizens were aggressively” pursuing the President’s advice of “venturing” into various forms of manufacturing, rather than depending on mining. Certainly, it is good advice that has fertilised on equally fertile human soil, given the preponderance of industrial skills that are in abundance in the mining town.

Not to be left out in this socio-economic resurgence of Linden are its young citizens. Through the Linden Youth Network (LYN), a non-governmental organisation, 37 students were able to graduate in ICT skills, hosted by the Board of Industrial Training in collaboration of with the Office of the First Lady. This network is now in the process of enrolling other youths from the Linden communities for similar training.

This is wonderful, not only for the acquisition of a very important technical skill which will make these very young citizens very marketable, while adding to the community’s human capacity; but because of the selfless thought and kind care  of getting their fellow youths equipped by paying it forward. It is the kind of cooperative spirit that is pivotal for success in such communities.

We are very happy for a community and its citizens that have endured some of the worst socio-deprivations in the history of this nation.  That despite the big and empty promises of the 2011 PPP/C presidential candidate, of the creation of 2000 jobs that did not materialise, Lindeners are gradually rebuilding their community, and their self-respect through self-sufficiency, and other forms of employment. There are even success stories of disadvantaged students performing very well at the National Grade Six Examinations. This has resulted in a prominent businessman, donating the sum of $1.5M towards assisting the future scholastic careers of these students.

Like a Phoenix, Linden is rising from the ashes, in time to prepare itself for participation in the coming oil-and-gas economy.

This continued resurgence will have another example when Linden hosts its first Freedom Fest, on August 01. This event has had exemplary support from many prominent citizens.  Minister Harmon was right when he said, “Linden is poised for better days.”