Amidst economic slowdown, Linden chamber head calls for collaboration
The economy of Linden has slowed down “tremendously,” according to Chamber of Commerce head Kevin De Jonge, who says there must be collaboration among all the stakeholders to reverse the situation.
“The economy has slowed down tremendously. To some extent, it depends on who you speak to. Many would say it’s at a standstill. But money is being circulated,” De Jonge told Stabroek News, while pointing out that one of the reasons why the Chamber is behind the implementation of tolls for the Kara Kara bridge is to assist with the circulation of money throughout the town.
“We know that sales have been down in many cases and even banks have been complaining. Arrears have gone up and money is just not circulating the way we would want it,” De Jonge explained.
He said that while the economy slowing down is a countrywide phenomenon, Linden’s situation is unique, since it has a limited amount of job opportunities when compared with other areas around the country.
“What you’re finding is that a lot of retailers and shop owners have been forced to cut back on their staff,” he pointed out, while stating that the economy cannot be fixed by an individual or entity but there has to be a collaborative effort between all the stakeholders, including the Regional Democratic Council the Chamber of Commerce, the Town Council and the people of Linden. “We all have to come together and find solutions to the problems,” he said.
De Jonge noted that there are persons who have visited and contacted the Chamber and have expressed their interest in investing in the town. “Persons have been at the Chamber. Persons from overseas have expressed their interest,” he said.
“We are welcoming investors and as I said we are taking the first step in terms of uniting our resources and combining so it can be a way friendlier business environment. We are hoping that the investors can come see what’s happening here and more of them can come have dialogue with the Chamber of Commerce but no individual entity can do the job,” he emphasised.