Region 10 to benefit from “Linden Restoration Project”

Linden is set to benefit from several initiatives, with the unveiling of the ‘Linden Restoration Project’ organised by the Linden Youth Leaders (LYL) in collaboration with the Mayor and Town Council (M&TC), the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) of Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice), retired managers of Linden and members of the Diaspora.

During an informative meeting at the Watooka Complex in Linden on Monday, organisers shared their ideas regarding the project, with the common goal of restoring the community both socially and economically.
Speaking for the LYL were Orlena Obermuller and Joanne Profitt, while Mortimer Mingo, Steve Bovell, Orrin Gordon and Emmet Alves spoke on behalf of stakeholders and retired managers of the community. Linden Mayor Carwyn Holland who was the moderator, posited that the idea of the project means taking the long-awaited step in charting the course of Linden’s future development.
The project is the brainchild of the Linden Youth Leaders and according to Holland, the group would have already forwarded ideas for the project to President David Granger and ministers of Government.
In her brief remarks Obermuller, who serves as project manager of the Youth group said the aim of the project is to make Linden more attractive and exquisite by developing and improving the educational, social and physical sectors.
“By making recommendations, empowering youths, creating employment for youths, public infrastructure and promoting cohesion through public cooperation…we can create something new, to coincide both where we were and where we want to go. That’s why we’re happy to collaborate with matured minds…whereby we can come together and put our thoughts and ideas together, where we can bridge the gap between the two generations and exchange our ideas and thoughts, to brand and promote Linden once again”, she said.
Outlining several initiatives, Bovell in his remarks said he is concerned over the level of negativity portrayed surrounding the community, noting that on the contrary it is one which is richly endowed with vast lands and natural resources. As such, he encouraged all to make use of these features, as a step towards economic and social development.
“There is no way Linden should be poor and categorised a depressed community”, he said.
Bovell, who is a farmer and businessman also made calls for the community to become more involved in the “Grow More Food” initiative, positing that products such as cherries, pigeon peas, papaws and cane can be easily grown in Linden. He also urged the promotion of self-sufficiency, while relating plans to provide at least 20 meals to various vulnerable groups in the community every week. This he noted will comprise of a main meal, desert and fruit juice.
Other initiatives planned according to Bovell are in the areas of youth employment and trade, as well as the resuscitation of cultural, art and tourism activities.
Meanwhile, Gordon said the lack of will has been witnessed in the community over time, noting that it is time to come to the realisation that it is necessary for all participants to work together.
Addressing the small gathering, Mingo said he was happy to be involved in the planning of moving the community forward which he noted has “taken a beating” over the years.
He added that he was pleased to have young people on board while he stressed the need to move with alacrity towards development.
Mingo further urged those involved not to squander opportunities in putting together such proposals.
The project is being conducted under the theme: “Enhancing our town, building cohesion, creating jobs, developing a better life for all.”