Dear Editor,
This month marks the 38th anniversary of the Linden community becoming a town. But really, is our town on solid ground and doing just fine 38 years on? A celebration to mark yet another anniversary is in order but cannot be all that satisfying, we need to see evidence of things.
In terms of Linden as a town 38 years is indeed a long period, but sadly there are numerous things that are adrift and have fallen apart, and this does not augur well for the town. To begin with, its physical condition is uninspiring; it still boggles the mind that this mining town with an abundance of various types of mineral waste (overburden) has roads that are scandalously bad.
While to a large extent residents can be held accountable for the condition of the environment, it is equally the municipality’s responsibility to maintain and enhance the aesthetics of the town. And while we speak of promoting tourism and there is a tourism committee, a visit to the mined out sites along the dykes (washer pond) reveals a horrible spectacle; a dump site for garbage and scrap metals with bushes growing wild. These large expanses of wasteland were once a haven for kite flying, picnics and other holiday activities, now they are dangerous terrains-eye sores. There is no place/park where the atmosphere is congenial to which folks, both young and old, can go for quiet relaxation.
We are waiting to see how the municipality will approach the beautifying of Co-op Crescent, a one-way street which the vendors once occupied. On the economic front, we need not fool ourselves it is not that rosy. The high rate of unemployment is constantly swelling with those leaving school. There are high expectations with speculations and projections by the new Chinese management of the bauxite company, BOSAI. There are talks about reopening the alumina plant, but when? The Linden Economic Advancement Project (LEAP) is in its twilight zone and has not gotten anywhere near its projected two to three thousand jobs creation and the few mini businesses here and there are just a pebble in the ocean. But what seems frightening in these perilous times of violent crimes is the large percentage of male youth who roam the streets with nothing to do and all the time to do it. They have no productive and purposeful activities and crave the violent rap music, eg “gangster for life” as gospel, and the young women, to a lesser extent, are equally vulnerable to the lewd music and immoral cultural invasion that now dominate their lives.
One bright spot in the community, which gives a good impression and pleases is the Amelia’s Ward Housing Scheme, which is considered the largest in the country, some even say the Caribbean! Those pretty and uniquely designed houses continue to stun and capture the gaze of all who venture there, it is certainly a plus and needs to be properly maintained. If we continue to build roads without drains it is only a matter of time before the undesirable occurs.
But a cardinal issue which the relevant authorities within the region/town must address as a matter of urgency is the question of true autonomy. Why must the people of a town after 38 years still be running to Georgetown to have matters addressed which can be done in the town?
Too many people have from time to time complained of the frustration of spending money/time travelling two-three times, waiting for hours/all day long before being attended to. Consider folks in Kwakwani, Ituni, Mabura, Anarika etc. why can’t the town have its own offices to take care of these matters? I dare say, it’s time!
Lastly, no one can stop the rambling and conflicts that go on in the council chamber, but at the end of the day they ought to produce positive results. It is good that the town can still welcome all the Linden folks who reside overseas back into its arms. Glad to have you.
Yours faithfully,
Frank Fyffe
