Linden is about to add to the range of services on its waterfront as one investor seeks to establish an approximately $50M multipurpose therapeutic spa and recreational facility.
Dr. Joseph Haynes
Nutritionist Dr. Joseph Haynes, a Lindener and alternative treatment health professional, believes that activities such as spa treatments seen on television should be offered within the community and youths in the mining town should have more recreational activities.
In justifying his investment in the mining town, Dr. Haynes said that one of the reasons Linden has a greater need than Georgetown is that, “Linden is deprived of alternative treatments…at the moment.” While completion of the new establishment was expected in December, due to a delay it will likely open in the new year.
His entrepreneurial footprint in Linden is not new and began in 1993. Over a decade ago, he began the Health and Wellness Center clinic in Mackenzie, which was later moved to the city at 145 Fifth Street, Alberttown in 1996. Nevertheless, over the last 10 years he has travelled to Linden once per week to attend to the health food outlet he continued to maintain there.
In the early 1990s Dr. Haynes acquired the plot of land at the Mackenzie riverfront, where he is now building the therapeutic facility and the plan then was to build a very big health clinic.
The backdrop of the river, he said, is “very helpful,” considering the nature of the business and it is also convenient in that it gives residents on both shores (Wismar and Mackenzie) access to the facility. After the completion of this new development Haynes will be spending most weekdays in Linden with some two days in the city.
He acknowledged that the economic situation in the community is “bad,” but said that people will find the means to take care of themselves. Speaking in terms of the price for the services to be offered, he added that it will be affordable.
Moreover, although he revealed that he is looking forward to providing employment in the community, the entrepreneur could not say at the time what number of jobs the venture will likely create, but he did note that the work force will be largely Lindeners.
On the other hand, the recreational aspect of the facility will provide youths an opportunity to develop their skills. As a result, there will be activities such as ping-pong, table tennis and air hockey along with the popular computer games. A section of the U-shape 3,000 square feet building will cater to a weekend theatre that will facilitate families seeking to “enjoy a good outing,” he said. This theatre will host concerts, receptions and seminars.
Among the spa treatment items will be Jacuzzis and saunas for regeneration and recuperation, noted Dr. Haynes, adding that the plan is to establish a complete spa and recreational facility. A branch of Eureka labs, which is based in the city, is also expected to be housed at the facility.
With a lot of investors choosing the waterfront to make their mark, he said, “I think it is going to enhance … (and) present a different aspect of Linden,” since the community needs to get away from the loud music and alcohol consumption.
Already, well known Linden businessman Dunstan Barrow, who operates Barrow’s Restaurant and Lounge and Cabs Hardware will be establishing a $160M multipurpose plaza at the back of the spa facility facing Republic Avenue, while Church’s Chicken is also at the waterfront along with the Cresent Supermarket and other small businesses.
As to how this venture will further assist the tourist drive in Linden he remarked that, “it will add to the availability of quality services that people may be familiar with.”
The facility will be another opportunity, he believes, for persons to come to Linden, and to see what the community has to offer.
This man is an inspiration for what Guyana is looking for,we need more of him for Guyana.With all the hard work and perservance of people like this heart,Guyana will one day blossom to flourish.
Good luck on this project,I know you will never stop.
. “He began the Health and Wellness Center clinic in Mackenzie, which was later moved to the city at 145 Fifth Street….”
2. “He acknowledged that the economic situation in the community is “bad,” but said that people will find the means to take care of themselves….”
Good luck brother! Personally, I would not even think about this venture. This seems like nothing more that a case of a man trying to give back something to his poor community.
What about the status of the waterfront land? Under what terms did he acquire those lands? Some people…..mark my words…..some people…. propose all sorts of development plans in order to hold on to or acquire state land.
Red Lion
Why not?
thanks for the input. it should be made clear however that this land is titled land which was not leased or acquired from govt of guyana. this was private property which was bought and paid for over time ..i however i do agree that your statement regarding govt land may have some truth to it.
I commend Doctor Haynes for his spirit and involvement in HIS community, he is one of the very few Lindeners who is totally commited to helping the people of Linden through this tough econimical times, God bless.
In times like this any development is welcomed, but is it the right timing, could the people of linden afford to visit this facility, alternative lifestyle is very costly so i hope mr. haynes know what he’s getting into, all the best to you on your venture.
good for you dr. haynes.
as a fellow quibian, i say good for the big doc. too.
good luck with your venture
. There is a market for herbal medicines in the Caribbean, but it must be professionally labeled and packaged. Bread on the table is what matters in poor countries like Guyana. There is no way those folks are going to forget about the beers and so on for the service the Doctor plans to offer.
Red Lion
Red Lion
I’ve noticed that this is the second time you tear down an intitative proposed by a Guyanese. The first was the food-man German and his proposed soup restaurant in Brooklyn. What’s wrong with you? Why you always hating and can find nothing positive to say when when certain business people share they plans?
Granted the reporter did not quiz Dr. Haynes on such key details like his expected target market, levels of costs, employment opportunities and such like. Nonetheless, I’ll give kudos to any business person who has the guts to invest in Guyana in its present investor-hostile environment. So, just stop hating or zip it!!!
Dr. Haynes best of luck with your venture
they are lucky to have bread, no bread after they ban the importation of flour, what year was that?
I hear you Malaika.
RL
Malaika,
I would to like to change my comments.
The Doctor would have a flourishing business. Every Lindeners would visit his spa and use his services. Guyanese returning home would travel to Linden to enjoy the services of Dr. Haynes. It is anticipated that in a few years time Dr Haynes would have a chain of spas; spas in Georgetown, Parika, Mahaica, Berbice….spa, spa, spa. The spa business would be so lucrative, more may eventually join in and follow Dr Haynes. This is very good for Guyana, it will contribute to an increase in the GDP as a result of an increase in the production of heel skins, since every pedicure is expected to produce 20 kg of fresh human heel skin for export.
The demand for heel skin is on the increase around the world, especialy since the Iraq war sarted. American soldiers doing daily patrols in an around Falluja and Basra by foot have been wearing their heels away, and cosmetologist, using laser technology have found a technique to transplant fresh heel skin onto the feet of our men in uniform.
“Howz dat dalin?’
Red Lion