In the mining town of Linden that is bursting with activities and resources, one can always be assured of being mesmerised by the countless ideal locations to match every individual preference.
Upon entering the town of Linden from the Linden/Soesdyke Highway, one can brace oneself to be wowed by the sceneries on each side of the road. If you are a nature lover, you will be blown away immediately as you descend the hilly road viewing the hills of clay and the
alluring beautiful lakes below. Visitors to the town can witness the largest community, Amelia’s Ward, in the Caribbean as they make their way into the heart of the town.
Over the years Linden has developed significantly, garnering another Bank among other developments. A place of interest with the town’s rich history is its very own museum, located just a stone’s throw from the Demerara River.
The Demerara River divides Wismar and Mackenzie which allows residents to use the water taxis to access either shore. The
Wismar/Mackenzie Bridge is another mode of transportation for residents that is frequently used instead of the water taxis.
The best aspect of the mining town is its people. They are known for their resilience, unity and zeal. Lindeners are known to be their brother’s keepers. Their hospitality can be sensed from miles away. Lindeners are also known for their profound talents that many times outshines other performers.
In the past GTT jingle competitions, Linden became known as the town that would cart away the top positions.
Christianburg Water Wheel
As one passes the historic industrial Christianburg Waterwheel monument, a sense of pride arises to witness the evidence of what made the mining town into what it is today. One can also be saddened by this site since many are able to visualise the potential of this masterpiece in today’s economy.
The Christianburg Waterwheel was materialised in 1855 by a Scottish engineer, John Patterson who saw the need for this industrial mechanism to boost his timber production.
In 1803, after the English invasion, the Scottish engineer was selected to prepare housing for governmental officials. It is documented that following the preparation of housing, Patterson obtained a small number of vessels from the indigenous community and began the production of logging.
The Christianburg Waterwheel came in light of Patterson’s struggle of manual labour to tie logs together, followed by placing the logs on a punt. The manual labour proved to be time consuming and expensive on a long-term basis.
The Katabuli creek was later identified as the place of operation since the dynamic force of the flowing water from the creek was able to sustain the hydro-powered sawmill. The sawmill ceased operations in 1950 and has now become a relic.
Recreation
The mining town of Linden is not only known for its minerals but also for its captivating and luring beautiful lakes. These picturesque
lakes are located in Region 10 only and speak volumes to the tourism sector, with many Lindeners vocal on the topic of transforming these lakes into “top tourist destinations in Guyana”
Some time back, persons were trying to develop these appealing lakes into tourist sites.
These lakes were formed after bauxite mining was discontinued in the areas. The lakes are craters that were dug to access the precious ore – bauxite.
While it is not advised, many persons find it refreshing to swim in the blue lakes. Additionally, tasty “fat pork” or Coco plum (local fruit, scientifically named Chrysobalonas Icaco) are always to the avail of swimmers. “Fat pork” commonly grows around the lakes that everyone seems to enjoy after becoming familiar with it. It is a small pink fruit that is cushioned in white internally, also bearing a nut inside.
Linden presents options when it comes to recreation, mainly swimming. Buck Town creek that is located some distances from the community and Blueberry Hill are always filed on Sundays.
Motorists can always see families and friends enjoying the water or playing on the beach. The creek also possesses a small hotwater pond that anyone can go and soak in.
Mackenzie Sports Club ground
This ground holds a host of memories for every Lindener, whether it is flag-raising ceremonies, national games, Mahramani school competitions, National sports finals, massive parties or funerals, every Lindener can at least attest to one fond memory of this ground.
In 1916, the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground that is commonly known as MSC was built by the Demerara Bauxite Company which started mining in the town that same year.
The MSC ground is located in the heart of the town on Greenheart Street, which caters for cricket, football, basketball, volleyball, tennis, track and field, cycling, field hockey and various cultural and social activities.
The ground is familiar with the popular Linden Town Week activities. Apart from the outdoor activities, MSC caters for indoor events such as dominoes, billiards, table tennis, darts and many others.
Library
On Saturday mornings, the public buses can be seen filled with children and their haversacks, all heading to the library. The library is a sanctuary for the children to meet and compete to borrow the best books. The library serves as a research and study zone for secondary school students that often need to be notified when the library is closing.
The library helps a number of students who cannot afford to purchase every book, an opportunity to have those books at their own convenience.
Almost 10 years ago, in July 2015, The Stacey Walters Library opened its doors to the public. The Library caters to for all ages of people. It was built by an overseas-based Guyanese Ingrid Walters.
The project was orchestrated through the loss of her daughter, Stacey Walters which the library was named after. The Library was built to serve the residents of the Wismar shore, mainly.
