Limited job opportunities remain a serious issue for residents and officials in the bauxite mining community of Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).
The community which many had once flocked in the glory days of bauxite, to pursue employment within the industry, has continued to struggle in the area of employment since the decline of that industry. This is according to Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland, who recently said the lack of jobs is “a sore issue” in the community.
He pointed out that this is due to a lack of investment in the community. “In terms of jobs, I must say it remains a sore issue in Linden as a result of lack of investment… We’re still seeking investors to come to the mining town of Linden,” the Mayor said.
Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland
Holland has often contended that Linden is strategically positioned to be the manufacturing hub, the agro-processing centre and the Silicon Valley of Guyana; and he has stressed that in order for the community to advance, investment is needed.
Holland has just recently made a call for the reopening of the Linden Call Centre which was closed two years ago. The Centre was one of the largest employers in the community; and resulting from its closure, more than 90 persons, mainly women in the Linden community, lost their jobs.
Several companies and individuals have since expressed interest in conducting business in the building once occupied by the call centre, but the building, termed state property has since remained inaccessible. This continues to be a cause for concern for both residents and officials in the community, noted for its high level of unemployment.
Municipal Councillor Neola Rogers had also pointed to the fact that the call centre had provided much needed employment opportunities for many young women in the community, and had served as an excellent entry requirement into the world of work. Officials have since tried to have the operation up and running again, to provide much needed employment to Lindeners.
Linden resident Michael James has also expressed concern over the unemployment issue.
“Everywhere I turn I meet a young man or a young woman who wants to earn money legally and morally; and they can’t because there is no job opportunities for young people. This is disheartening and frustrating to the point of hopelessness. To the leaders of this beloved country of ours: please, I beg of you on their behalf…please look into this matter as priority number 1,” the resident said.
James added that the leaders of the country are failing the young people immensely.
The community’s youths, the newspaper was told, have often stressed the need for more diversified job opportunities, citing that apart from nursing and teaching, such is lacking. Many have stressed that secondary school achievers and university graduates find it hard to secure employment in Linden. As a result, many leave the area in search of better opportunities.
