Preparatory works for the reconstruction of the One Mile Primary School started yesterday with many Lindeners participating to the sounds of a recently produced song recounting the events in the mining town over the past 33 days of protest.
The largest primary school in Linden which housed over 800 children was completely destroyed by fire on August 12 by suspected arsonists. Two suspects were held but later released by police who said there was insufficient evidence to press charges.
Member of Parliament of Region 10, Vanessa Kissoon who assisted in the clearing said she was not surprised at the turnout of residents yesterday. “The turnout today would have proven that … the invasion, the murders and the burning of the school has not deterred or weakened residents but has shown beyond a shadow of a doubt that residents are determined to continue to work together block by block to rebuild our future”, said Kissoon.
She said that though it’s a state responsibility for the construction of schools, residents are not prepared to sit idly by and wait for Government’s intervention. “There is no way the people of Linden would have orchestrated a move to burn a school, no way and what’s happening here is testimony of that fact,” Kissoon declared.
The sun was out in all its brilliance yesterday and persons from all walks of life were equally involved. The input of bauxite company Bosai was also noticeable. The company contributed a grader to assist in the clearing. Several of the company’s engineers and senior managers participated. A logistics coordinator said that while he was confident that persons were going to turn out, he was stunned at the quality of work and energy put in by especially the women folk.
“These types of work is usually handled by the men but what the women did here today cannot go unrecorded, our men are here equally but I am surprised by what I am seeing the women doing. Even pregnant women working”, said the Bosai official.
Chartered accountant, Christopher Ram, the AFC’s Gerhard Ramsaroop and APNU/PNCR’s Aubrey Norton were all on the spot supporting residents. In a brief comment Ramsaroop told SN that he sees the activity as a symbolic one. “It’s like when a city was bombed in a war and the people get together to rebuild”, he said, adding, “it’s not just the men, it’s the women and even the children, it’s very touching, very heartening.”
Ramsaroop said that it showcases the true spirit of the people of Linden and what the town is all about. “It’s a struggle for justice and equality and it shows you the type of people that come from Linden.”
A Guyanese/Jamaican musical recording team was also on hand. They are producing a musical video to tell the story of the Linden struggle. Under the recording names I mykal, Mountain Lion, Spider, Linden Town, got residents’ blessings to record the video for the song titled `Linden’ as they worked.
Spokesman for the group, Spider referred to himself as a half breed Lindener having made his debut international appearance as a member of the Linden-owned Cannon Balls Band and because of his association with the El Sadiek Band which also hails from Linden.
He said that while they had planned going to the school site to record most of the video for their song, they were totally surprised at the welcome. “When we come up at the school we were like, `what!’ it was beautiful to see people into the regenerating vibes, it was so good to see the community vibes and things and it really helped”, said Spider.
He said the song was launched on August 1st in the aftermath of the killing of three Linden protesters by police on July 18.
“I really like the vibes of the people here and this song will show the world the true heart of the Linden people”, said Spider.
Residents were out in large numbers all day working. Meals were prepared and businessmen were present doing their bit. Among them were the proprietors of Bharry’s General Store and Lumber Yard, Bobby Noel General Store, Bernard’s Variety, Adonis Contracting, taxi and mini bus drivers and others.
Most of the businessmen made their trucks and other equipment available for the fetching away of rubble and the shipping in of tons of sand for backfilling and to facilitate cement works.
Individuals, businesses, groups, institutions and a variety of organisations have already commenced making pledges and donations of money and materials for the rebuilding of One Mile Primary School. Region 10 Chairman Kuice Sharma Solomon was also present at the One Mile Primary School.
Parallel to the clearing drive, members of the Linden religious community held a day of prayer and fasting at the Mackenzie Sports Club Ground.
