– as prices in mining town skyrocket overnight

By Vanessa Braithwaite
AS Guyanese join the rest of the world in the fight against the Novel Coronavirus that has infected hundreds of thousands around the world and killed thousands, the financial strain to equip themselves with anti-bacterial detergent products and other toiletries is very challenging. In a matter of days, prices for these items have sky-rocketed as demand for them soared.

This is also the case in Linden, with many detergent products such as Lysol spray, being sold as high as $7,000 per can at a popular supermarket in the town.
Lindeners; however, have become cognisant that local products can meet the same purpose; which is to sanitise and keep one’s environment germ-free.

Thankfully, a local company “Netsurf Detergent Clean”, opened its doors mere weeks before the epidemic and has been satisfying the desire of residents at a comparatively cheaper cost. Located at the Toucan Mall, in Amelia’s Ward Linden, Netsurf Detergent Clean offers up to eight detergent products, including antibacterial soap liquid and disinfectant liquid, which have proven to be as effective as Lysol and any of the other leading brands.
Proprietor, Stephen Thompson, told the Guyana Chronicle that he decided to establish the business in Linden since there was no other one available. Being in the hospitality industry, he realised there was a cheaper alternative to purchasing detergent products for commercial use and this motivated him to make the service available for retail purchasing in Linden. The products go under the local brand “Tidy Up” and while the chemicals are sourced overseas, the concoction and packaging are done locally.

What is special about this local product is that one gets more for less; something Lindeners and any other Guyanese would appreciate at this time.

“If you want $100 quantity, you can get that, you can get whatever amount you want and that is why I brought it to Linden because many people want to buy detergent products but can’t afford supermarket prices, so you are getting quality that suits your pocket and the quantity,” Thomas said.

In addition, it is in keeping with Guyana’s ‘green’ agenda since it encourages recycling of the bottles used. Each time the customer purchases, it is done with a recycled bottled, which benefits the environment.

“I really thought this was good for Linden, we are continuing to sensitise the public on the products and how they can benefit, particularly at this time. We have our hand-wash sanitizer, our refilled disinfectant and we are preparing to make available, bleach,” Thomas related. “So you can mop and keep your countertops clean and your entire environment, at a cheaper cost.”

Speaking of reviews, Thomas said the response is very favourable and Lindeners have embraced the idea, even before the coronavirus outbreak. He said persons really appreciate the cheaper alternative and the fact that they decide how much they can pay for the product, based on the product.

They have also expressed satisfaction over the quality and variety in the various products. Giving an example, Thomas said when compared to the amount of cleaning disinfectant one gets for $300, it is about the same for another similar leading product in supermarkets for double the price.

In this regard, the local businessman is encouraging Lindeners and by extension all Guyanese to support local businesses, as it benefits them and the local economy.
“When you support local, it goes a long way, we need to move to more local products on the market and this will only happen if we keep supporting our local entrepreneurs,” he said.

He is also encouraging more Lindeners to come out of their comfort zone and establish businesses to meet niche markets available on the town. After realising there were no other businesses of this nature in the town, he did the necessary research and was able to materialise his idea.

He said he realised that a lot of Lindeners have the vision but their major challenge is financing and advice. This is, however, available through many agencies such as the Linden Enterprise Network, and what is needed is market research and reaching out to those already involved in similar business to weigh the pros and cons. This is what he did by travelling to other parts of the country and engaging those already involved in detergent refill businesses. Today, he has not regretted it and said there are many other windows open for Lindeners to do the same with other business ventures.