From welding and refrigeration repairs to transportation and agro-processing, Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh says Lindeners should consider a wider range of businesses as the town’s economy evolves.

During a recent community outreach, Singh said bauxite will remain important to Linden but should not define its entire economic future.

“It’s a future that will include bauxite but will not comprise bauxite only,” he said.

Linden’s development has historically centred on bauxite mining. Singh said residents should now examine their skills and interests to determine how they can benefit from opportunities in other sectors.

“Some may be good at running a welding shop. Some may be good at running a refrigeration repair business. Some may be good at transportation. Some may be good in agro-processing, buying raw agricultural produce, processing and packaging it,” he said.

Singh also identified dressmaking and alterations as possible areas for small-business development.

He cautioned residents against entering a sector simply because others are doing so, arguing that businesses should be based on individual ability, interest and market demand.

The minister encouraged Lindeners to consider where the economy is heading and begin positioning themselves for new opportunities.

Senior Minister with Responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh