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…intends to revitalize Linden’s economy
Linden Fund USA (LFU) has launched a new economic development programme through its Linden Fund Guyana Office to support economic recovery in Linden, a statement from the organisation said on Tuesday.
According to Linden Fund USA, the programme will serve as a catalyst for development in the mining town at a time when the International Monetary Fund predicts that Guyana’s economy will grow by more than 8.1 per cent in 2021.
“This programme comes on the heels of the announcement of major infrastructural development works in the region led by the Government of Guyana, with support from the Caribbean Development Bank. This infrastructural work will oversee the upgrade of the Linden to Mabura Road, estimated at approximately US$190 million. The upgrade will serve as a catalyst of growth in the community, promoting the increase in the movement of goods and services between the two locations and further afield,” the organisation explained.
Through the programme, LFU intends to provide expert leadership that would allow the town to capitalize on internal and external developmental opportunities, thereby paving the way for business expansion, job creation and increased cash flow.
“LFU will focus efforts on community engagement, small business growth and workforce development,” the organisation said while assuring that there will be a concerted effort to leverage the diaspora relations and local partnerships with all stakeholders to support the development and direct investment into businesses and projects in the community.
Established in 2009, LFU has an impressive track record of impactful projects including the mobilization of over GY$129.2M in financing and materials for projects focused on health, community development and education.
“These actions are expected to expand even as the organization sets its sights on partnership and engagement with the multitudinous international oil and gas companies now resident in Guyana, the offices of the Mayor of Linden, Regional Chairman, the Linden Technical Institute and all other stakeholders from the various sectors across the country,” the organisation said.
Former Advisor on Renewable Energy, Sustainable Development and Forests at Guyana’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations, Onika Stellingburg will be spearheading the initiative here in Guyana.
Stellingburg is an expert climate change negotiator and is also skilled in stakeholder engagement, international policy development and multilateral diplomacy. Additionally, she has substantial experience working with the Government of Guyana mainstreaming sustainable development into multi-year national budgets, ensuring projects and initiatives developed were aligned with national and international plans.
“Ms. Stellingburg has also previously served with the Caribbean Regional Youth Council, where she worked in partnership with the Caribbean Development Bank, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the International Labour Office and the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to execute an immersive 3-day conference focused on decent work and economic growth, mobilizing US$180,000 to oversee the execution of this conference,” Linden Fund further detailed.
To kick start the economic development programme, Linden Fund USA will be conducting a business diagnosis survey, in addition to quarterly economic development forums to connect businesses with investors and other interested partners.
These activities are intended to help the organisation identify needs, challenges and areas for growth across Linden. This data will then be used to drive project development, partnership pursuits and the investment of resources in the community.
