Lindeners promised development at Independence flag-raising ceremony

Minister within the Communities Ministry, Valerie Yearwood on Friday evening told residents of the mining town of Linden that a number of developmental projects were expected to come on stream aimed at boosting their lifestyles.
The Minister made this comment as she addressed scores of people who gathered for the town’s annual flag-raising ceremony. Quoting the theme of the 2018 National Budget, she reiterated that “the journey to a good life continues” for people in Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice).

According to the Minister, two new schools will be constructed at Bamia along the Linden- Soesdyke Highway at an estimated cost of $133 million. “We’re going to be building a nursery school and a primary school at Bamia. So, those children on the Highway don’t have to come all this distance…,” she stated.
Yearwood also outlined plans for the Linden-Lethem Road and the riverfront development. “Right here in Linden, there’s a plan that is currently being developed for our waterfront and I can tell you, in our 2018 Budget, upgrade of the Linden-Lethem Road and I believe we’re doing from Linden to Mabura, and the work has started…,” she added.
The Minister further stated that over the last year, almost $200 million was spent to complete capital works in Region 10. “We have rehabilitation of bridges, schools, health facilities, roads, upgrade of drainage systems…In the coming months, we have road rehab works to be done – $76.5 million; $27.9 million upgrading our drainage system and others,” she added.
Minister Yearwood also boasted of Government’s achievements in the Region; such as improved literacy while pointing to the more than 1000 teachers who have been trained.
“Teenage mothers who dropped out of school, they are now reintegrated into the school system…,” the Minister stated while adding that the hot meal programme has been extended to over 172 schools.
Minister Yearwood also noted Information Communication Technology (ICT) programmes were in all secondary schools. In relation to business, she pointed out that loans were available through the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN), which she noted has created over 5000 jobs.
The Minister urged Lindeners to cooperate as they moved onto the positive path that was ahead. “…unless we embrace, unless we cooperate, we cannot win…Linden, there’s a beautiful journey ahead of us; Region 10, there’s a beautiful journey ahead of us, but we have to learn to travel together,” she said.
“Each person, each group has to make the choice to come together for the good of all. We know that the journey that we embarked on in 2015 was never going to be an easy one. After all, life is complex and can be complicated at times…but we believe back then and still do believe now that it is possible…I’m talking about achieving the good life for all Guyanese,” the Minister highlighted.
She related that the good life was about removing inequality and providing opportunities for every citizen.
Also in attendance at the ceremony were Junior Natural Resources Minister Simona Broomes, Regional Chairman Renis Morian, and Linden Mayor Waneka Arrindell.
The evening was marked by the traditional march past by the Disciplined Forces, cultural presentations and the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead.