Inspire change for your community, country’s development -Minister Adams-Patterson urges Linden’s elderly

GINA, GUYANA, Thursday, April 27, 2017

Minister within the Ministry of Communities Valerie Adams-Patterson has called on the elderly residents of Linden to inspire change for development in their community, and their country.

Addressing the senior citizens at the Linden Town Week Annual Elderly Luncheon at the Egbert Benjamin Centre on Wednesday, Minister Adams-Patterson urged, “Inspire change because it is pertinent to the situation currently prevailing in Linden and Guyana.”

The minister noted the injustice which has become synonymous with the town and the country. “Many of our children are on drugs….many women because of poverty are getting involved in drug trafficking and trafficking in persons to keep food on the table because the fathers are missing in action. Then we have a lot of our men who have to seek jobs away from their families because they have to maintain their families,” the minister said.

She said that the elderly has what it takes to change the community and country and inspire others.   “If you look around you, if you listen to what is being said around you grandmothers and grandfathers, much is still needed of you; your skills, talents, knowledge, understanding and most of all your wisdom. Don’t die with it,” the minister urged.

She encouraged the elderly to use their knowledge and skills to help heal and restore the breaches in the homes, the families, the churches and the communities.

“People will not always agree with your methods of repair, the grandchildren might have issues with the tools used to do the repairs, but God will hold you accountable for the spiritual breaches that are left unrepaired,” the minister said.

“Don’t throw up your hands in despair and say, ‘you ain’t (aren’t) able’ … our social and political leaders need help…some of you passed this way before,” the minister added.

The annual Linden Town Week (LTW) event which runs from April 22 to May 1 in the mining town is being held under the theme, “Reflect, refocus, moving forward with unity and strength for our community development.”

This year, Linden is celebrating 47 years as a town and 21 years of the Town Week event, which showcases the celebration of culture, sports, exhibition, entertainment and fete.

Activities for the Town Week include a Gospel Concert on April 24, an Open Stage and DJs Night on April 25 and a Day of Sports on April 26. The remaining events include a Bikers Fete and Colour Party, slated for April 28, a “Soca Fête” on April 29 and a Wash-Down Party on May 1.

By: Macalia Santos