LMTC forms new economic development committee to push investment in Linden
─ fostering entrepreneurial development in Linden
─ transforming Linden into an economically viable town
DPI, Guyana, Saturday, January 19, 2019
At its first extraordinary meeting since being officiated, the Linden Mayor and Town Council (LMTC) formed an economic development committee which aims to foster entrepreneurial development and creating avenues for both foreign and local investment, so as to transform Linden into an economically viable town. The committee is chaired by Councillor Lawrence Simon, and has as members, persons with expertise in business, marketing and financing, such as Linden’s veteran businessman Norvelle Fredericks and former President of the Linden Chamber of Commerce Kevin DeJonge.
Simon noted that the committee will be prioritising on networking with requisite stakeholders in the town, to achieve its goal of attracting investors while simultaneously creating an entrepreneurial spirit amongst the residents. The aim is to primarily diversify Linden’s economy, rather than have it completely dependent on mining. With such a diverse team, Simon believes that the underlying issues will be dealt with to the core, with the brainstorming of practical and logical ideas that will eventually see Linden, becoming economically viable.
Main networking partners will be the Linden Chamber of Commerce (LCC) and the Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) as well as other business and finance agencies in the business community. “We will brain storm, bring our ideas together, look at the current situation from different vantage points and we will work with the stake holders, all those who are willing to come on board to create change in Linden economically,” Lawrence posited.
President of the Linden Chamber of Commerce, Victor Fernandes said that he is excited to network with the LMTC to move the economic landscape of Linden forward. “The Chamber always welcomes such a venture, we have been strong advocates for the major stake holders to work together, that is the RDC, LMTC and the Chamber, so we do look forward to networking and anticipating working together,” While general investment opportunities and job creation is on the plate, Fernandes believes that the Council should focus on the upgrading of Linden’s few port facilities, citing the one at Christianburg. “If we are going to attract investors, coupled with the construction of the Linden to Lethem road, the Council needs to create an environment, where the investors’ cargo can be easily transported into the town, by any means. We need something that can accept cargo, and there is the container depot at Christianburg that needs serious upgrading,” he reasoned.
He also believes that job creation should be foremost on the agenda since Linden is more of a service oriented town, which needs to be changed. With Linden Enterprise Network being the main small business financier in Linden, closer ties will also be forged with the company, more so, that it has been allocated $218M from Budget 2019.
Before these changes are done externally, however, Simon noted that the Committee will be paying attention to the administration of the council, so as to boost its revenue earnings. Precedence, he said, will be given to human resource development and training of its administrative staff, especially those tasked with collecting revenue who in turn, will effectively carry out their duties.
He also related that the Council will also be initiating its own investment opportunities and that is why there is need to partner with the above mentioned stakeholders. “All in all, we will be looking at ways the Council can make more money,” Simon posited.
It is believed that only through a collective effort, through partnering and networking and through consideration, Linden can be truly transformed and become truly economically viable.
Story and Images : Vanessa Braithwaite