IN an effort to showcase the talents possessed by the youths of Linden, three young boys have created a platform on social media called ‘Express Yourself,’ which has proven to be a useful tool in selling what the mining town has to offer, as it relates to the various arts.

On the social media pages, videos of the Linden youths singing, dancing and performing the spoken word, can be enjoyed by a growing viewership.
The brainchild of this initiative are, three young men – Shaquan Alleyne who is a dancer, choreographer and a designer; Winston Bourne – a singer, graphics designer and photographer; and Keon Ford, also a singer.

Realising that there are not too many platforms to showcase their own talents in Linden, they have decided that something must be done, but for others facing the same fate, in mind.
The trio have received tremendous support from the Linden Chamber Youth Entrepreneur Programme, and have since able to shoot and produce various expressions of art by Linden youths, while also conducting interviews with young artistes, peer educators and youth leaders in Linden, all in an effort to sell Linden.

“What we can say, is that the response has been amazing and inspiring thus far, since we were able to interview figures such as the Commander of ‘ Division, Linden Lord and Director of Youth Melissa Carmichael, among others,” Alleyne said.

The team, in addition to receiving training through the First Lady’s ICT workshop, have also participated in the Director of Youth Challenge Guyana and partnered with the UMAMI Company on Christmas Day to distribute gifts to the less fortunate.

With the initiative widening its base, ‘Express Yourself’ has already been contracted by three local businesses to advertise their services.
The team is thinking very futuristic and through its many fundraising drives, the proceeds will used to purchase equipment for a modern studio, so as to upgrade the quality and quantity of the productions.

On the February 16, the ‘Express Yourself’ team will be hosting a Family Fun Day at the Wisroc Playfield where the members will be doing live performances, as well as other Linden artistes.

“The aim of this event is to promote it as an occasion for the community, with a focus on youth empowerment, more than 25 Linden youths will be able to showcase their individual talent,” Alleyne said.

Proceeds from the event will be used to move ‘Express Yourself’ to the next level, in an effort to better promote Linden youths positively