By Jamal Goodluck
The town of Linden has been injected with an estimated US$1.8 million investment in the form of the Toucan Complex and Mall, a realization of the dream of Dr Joseph Haynes to contribute to the community.
The complex houses 18 stores which includes a radio station, a dine-in movie theatre, a tennis court and a large swimming pool is located in Amelia’s Ward. It currently provides direct employment for 40 persons and was financed by Republic Bank Ltd.
Speaking at the opening of the complex on Saturday, Dr Haynes said the vision behind the project was that he, “wanted to provide something that can create the avenue to allow our children and youth to realise dreams that go beyond what they are doing.”
Haynes pulled no punches as he related the challenges and frustrations faced in accomplishing his vision. Referring to the unsupportive investment climate which was fostered by the previous administration, he said no concessions were given, despite several requests. “It was all done with money earned from hard work,” he said.
He recounted the many tribulations faced in hiring contractors and construction workers who worked only when he was at the worksite and produced shabby work. The unprofessional and devious nature of the contractors forced him to eventually take one to court, because the money that was assigned for the work was used by the individual to buy a truck.
The project, which started in 2011, faced its most difficult challenge in 2012 when the people of Linden held numerous protests against the proposed hike in the electricity rate. The lowest point, he said, came when threats were made by persons to burn his establishment. Haynes said he questioned his reason for staying and investing in Guyana, but the desire to fulfil his dream was greater than the opposition he faced.
He expressed relief that on the third try he found his lifeline, Sunil Bhagwandass, who was able to finish the work that was started. “Monies that were spent here over and over to get things done, we could have had a lot more…,” he said.
He urged Tourism Minister Cathy Hughes, who represented President David Granger at the opening, to have the government look into having contractors registered and made accountable. They must have licences in plumbing, electrical works and must be made liable for works that are substandard and defective, he opined.
He said, “We have to be driven by our dreams,” and Linden has lost its dreams. He counselled all to find their dreams and vision otherwise whatever they are responsible for will perish.
Minister Hughes reassured the audience that the government has already started to put measures in place to fast-track development in Region 10 and that it envisages Linden as an economic hub. She said Brazilian entrepreneurs would need facilities as they pass through the town to connect with the Linden/Soesdyke Highway to Georgetown. The increase of travellers will be facilitated by the collaboration between Guyana and Brazil to transform the highway into a freeway to the Takutu Bridge, she said.
She asked the people of Linden to understand, “We won’t return to economic prosperity tomorrow… It will take some time to bring you back to a place of comfort with the facilities and systems in place to ensure your economic growth.”
She threw out the task to them to submit proposals for tourism projects because there are funding opportunities under the ministry that were not utilised under the previous administration.
She expressed appreciation to Haynes for putting “his money where his mouth is” and apologised for the struggles and challenges he faced. She also said that people need to demand excellence from contractors.
Saturday’s grand opening also saw the presence of Region 10 representatives Members of Parliament Jermaine Figueira and Valerie Patterson, Region 10 Regional Chairman Renis Morian, President of the Guyana Amateur Swimming Association Ivan Persaud and President of the Guyana Lawn Tennis Association Grace McCalman along with many Lindeners.
The presidents of the two sporting fraternities in their addresses, expressed elation at the establishment of the tennis court and pool and announced their intentions to arrange competitions in Linden. Persaud said that a swimming meet was being planned for October.
Haynes’s vision for the two facilities is to produce future Olympians from the community and provide a recreational option for young people.
His sister, Dr Esther Haynes, said that family played a major factor in the life of Dr Haynes and his parents who insisted on a firm educational foundation and played an integral role by being a positive example. They taught their 13 children lessons of entrepreneurship.
Haynes’s and eldest brother Cecil Haynes who reinforced the teaching of their parents said, “Joe was always a man of vision.” He said he was happy to make a surprise visit to assist in making his brother’s dream a success.
Haynes thanked God and his family who helped him through the herculean project that he said involved blood, sweat and tears. He said, “The sky is not the limit but the beginning.”
The minister and the audience were later invited to take a tour of facilities.
