COVID-19 protocols will be followed during LTW 2021 – organisers assure

– say no major gatherings, parties planned

Organisers of the Linden Town Week (LTW) event have noted that strict COVID-19 protocols will be followed during this year’s activities which will be hosted from April 24 to May 2, 2021. The event which showcases the mining town of Linden will be observed under the theme, “Bridging the Economic and Social Gap. All ah we is we”.
The event was organised by the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LM&TC) in collaboration with the Region 10 Tourism Association (RTTA).
Chairman of the RTTA, Devin Sears maintained that the aim this year is not only to promote the LTW but Linden and Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) as a whole.
“I think this is the first time that we will see Linden Town Week taking a different form. The whole objective of Linden Town Week is to showcase Linden – tourism products, agro-processing, even fashion and art… but at this stage, because of the global pandemic, rightfully so, it needs to take a different form…our objective is that while we celebrate, we must celebrate in a safe way. So, there’s certain protocols that will be followed during that period just to ensure that we are on the winning side…We want to ensure that every resident, every visitor that comes to Linden is safe,” Sears noted during a press conference at the office of the LM&TC on Thursday.
He added that rapid testing will be available and strict crowd control and monitoring systems will be put in place for every event. Sears noted that sanitisation processes will be carried out and there will be a limited number of persons for every event. He noted too that the LTW Committee will be working closely with the Guyana Police Force Regional Division, as he stressed that there will be no major gatherings.
“We know that a lot of private promoters will use this opportunity to have their secret location parties. Please note that the Linden Town Week Committee…is not promoting any party during that period and by no means are we associated with any of those secret location parties…” Sears said.
This year, he said, the event will return to its initial aim when it first started, which is to showcase what Linden has to offer. Sears noted too that the calendar of events is more family-oriented with something for everyone.
The Committee, however, is still awaiting verification and confirmation of events from the proposed calendar of activities which was sent to the National COVID-19 Task Force. According to Sears, a lot of the activities will be hosted virtually.
Additionally, LM&TC Social Development Committee Chairman, Lawrence Simon in dissecting the theme said the economic aspect of it is fitting, since over the past years the dynamic of Linden being a bauxite town has changed, as he posited that tourism should be looked at as a means towards the region’s development.
“We are economically challenged and that will lead to social challenges,” Simon said.
He added that the development of economic activities within the region can assist in bridging the gap. Simon said the “All ah we is we” aspect is simply a replica of Guyana’s “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”. The activities are expected to commence on April 24, with Day Tours around the outskirts of the Linden community with activities being conducted on both the Wismar and Mackenzie shores, as well as riverine areas of the region. Simon said the activities will be streamed live so persons can stay at home.
He said the Committee should have a response on approval of the activities shortly.
Amongst the activities proposed are Linden Music Day, tourism activities, basketball, community clean-up exercise, “A Day at the Museum”, Mayor’s Address Award, cycling, road relays, football, corn house, car sound off, bird whistling competition, kids art and essay writing competition, inter-school debates, business conference & expo, “Under the Open Heavens”, LM&TC open day, hamper distribution, panel discussion – “Bridging the Economic and Social Gap”, open mic, virtual talent search, Comedy Wednesday, launch of
“Rediscover Region 10”, drive-in karaoke, hi-kyakaton, backyard golf and games, day tours and aircraft fly-over Linden.
Committee member Adrian Boston encouraged residents and visitors who will be a part of the festivities to wear masks, sanitise constantly and practice social distancing.