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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 25, 2018
Linden gearing to take the crown --as Soca Monarch contest makes a spirited comeback
By Naomi Marshall THE long-awaited Soca Monarch Competition is back after a two-year break, and it is being tackled by five determined Lindeners. Amongst the 15 individuals nominated for the semi-finals are Colwyn Abrams, Colwin Blair, Diana Chapman, Brandon Harding and Shellon Gallay, who are all from the mining town of Linden. Abrams, of Mackenzie, is a first-timer in the competition and says his song, titled ‘Soca Rage’, is about having fun and not allowing anything, “not even the elements”, to stop the fun. He said that it also focuses on equality. But where did the urge to enter the competition come from? “Some friends and I were talking one day, a few weeks back, and one of them said, ‘You should enter; you got what it takes,’ the 26-year-old said. “And I thought about it a few days and entered,” he added. Being a part of the competition was something that he’s always wanted to do. “For me, it’s something I always wanted to do,” AB said. “And when I say I’ll do something, I’ll do it,no matter the results.” Abrams said that for him, preparation for the semi-finals is stressful, but his focus right now is getting past that stage of the competition. “My soca idol from Guyana is Adrian Dutchin; he’s full of energy, and can
rock a stage and crowd and this is what I’ll try to mirror,” the aspiring monarch said. Apart from the Soca Monarch Competition, the young designer will be releasing his costumes for the Region 10 Regional Democratic Council soon, and is looking at competing for the title of Road March King as well. SUPER EXCITED The Guyana Chronicle next spoke to Diana Chapman, and she said she is very excited about the competition, mainly because it is her very first crack at the title, and she is curious to see how things will turn out for her. She noted that her song, titled ‘Get Ready’, sends a positive message to the
Colwin Blair
Diana said, adding: “Life is most important, so put aside all negativity and all stress, and just have fun and give thanks for life.” Unlike Abrams, she had Diana Chapman
public, as it is urging them to “GET READY to have fun in the party.” “The main message in the song is once you have life, anything is possible,”
no plans of ever entering the competition; it was one of those spur-of-the-moment decisions, she said. “I actually decided to enter the night before the clos-
ing date for submission,” the reigning Calypso Monarch said. “So I went to the studio like 8pm that night, and we started to write the song. And we finished recording and everything by 5am the next morning. “And I got home, typed out my lyrics and everything. And the song was finished, mixed and mastered, and sent to me before midday. So I entered the song into the competition; it was an overnight decision.” But then again, perhaps it’s her outlook for 2018 that really motivated her to enter the competition. “I’m going full force for everything that I’ve held back on for the past years,” the 26-year-old said, adding that so far, preparations are going pretty well. “We are all working really hard to give this my best shot. My dancers are on point, and, most definitely, the band is also doing great with the song.”
ANOTHER ‘ROOKIE’ Like Colwyn Abrams, Colwin Blair is also a first-timer, and sees it as an opportunity to be viewed from a different perspective, as for him, “It’s a big thing!” Better known as ‘Lil Colwin’, Blair said that his composition, ‘Leave Me Alone’, is taken from the perspective of someone at a party enjoying himself, when all of a sudden he receives a call from their other half,telling him, “I think it’s time you come home.” As Colwin explained: “They want stop yuh fun; and you telling dem, ‘Boi, don’t bother me! I deh here with a nice li’l shawty ah party!’
Records, J Lyrics, producer and my management team, we just push de fire and push de steam,” he said. For him, preparation for the semis is going good, even with the challenges. The winner of the 2018 Carib Soca Monarch Competition will walk away with a whopping $1.5M in prize money, while those in second, third and fourth places will each get $750,000, $500,000 and $250,000, respectively. Along with all winners receiving trophies, there will also be a Best New-comer prize of $100,000, and the government is currently working on including a People’s
Colwyn Abrams
“Duh mean yuh partying; yuh enjoying yourself. Don’t bother me; when I in a party, don’t bother me.” Though he’s more into reggae and dancehall, the 21-year-old said it’s to his team-mates that he looks to the most for inspiration. “...My team, Code Red
Choice Award, which will also see the winner taking away $100,000 in cash. The semi-final of the Soca Monarch Competition is scheduled for February 10 at the Linden-Georgetown Municipal Bus Park, commencing at 20:00hrs.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 25, 2018
Is ‘bare blows’ for Hiimyraj --but he’s not about to give up on his West Watooka farm
By Naomi Marshall WHEN Hiimyraj told me he did not have a surname, I thought he was trying to be funny, but then I wondered why his facial expression did not change. So I asked again. He replied, “Me ain’t
get no title. When meh been small, meh parents dem dead, and de documents dem lost, suh me never know what me real title. “Meh just know is Hiimyraj. Suh meh nah really know meh father title or meh mother title.” He has three children,
and they were all given their mother’s surname. Hiimyraj is from Crown Dam, Industry, on the East Coast Demerara, but has been living for the last three years in Linden, where he does farming in West Watooka for a living. The 45-year-old said that presently, he is plant-
ing a wide variety of organic crops such as bora, pumpkin, and okra. However, Hiimyraj has been experiencing drainage difficulties and pest invasion on his farm. “Is bad blows me ah fetch wid de drainage heah; bad blows,” he said, adding: “De other day gone,
rain come and flood down dis whole plat plain. “Meh guh punish fuh start dig drainer and dem t’ing. Now de other problem is de grasshopper. Sometime dem t’ing grow big, big! “And dis t’ing gun come and mek suh: Whappp! Eat out everyt’ing!” he ex-
Hiimyraj explaining the effects of a grasshopper invasion to one of the students
Hiimyraj poses for the camera
plained. Hiimyraj said that the pesticide he uses gives him no justice, as it’s too weak. And that as a cashcrop farmer, his income is being affected because of the pests. “Sometime everyt’ing dead out,” he said, “and how long yuh nuh try fuh do somet’ing, you nah ah get no money.” A farmer for the past 17 years, Hiimyraj says he’d be grateful if the government can look into the matter of drainage in the West Watooka area. “Dat would be really great, ‘cause like fuh how me alone deh in dis farm, it really hard; meh ah punish bad.” Recently, Hiimyraj assisted a number of Sixth Form students of Mackenzie High School who were conducting observation as a part of their Environmental Science Internal Assessment. According to Group Leader, Rennisa Webb, the group is investigating the environmental effects of the over-excessive use of fertilizers on peasant farms in West Watooka. Therefore, the properties of Hiimyraj’s organic farm will be compared to another farm in West Watooka that produces inorganic crops in order to complete the investigation.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 25, 2018
Things looking up for Region 10 --massive road, other infrastructural construction among capital works this year By Naomi Marshall THE construction of roads, primary schools, and health centres, and the rehabilitation of the Upper Demerara Hospital (UDH) are amongst some of the Capital Works Projects scheduled for Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) in 2018. This is according to Regional Chairman Rennis Morian, and Councillors Gregory Harris, Denise Belgrave and Douglas Gittens, who made the announcement recently at a press conference. Councillor Harris revealed that the budgetary allocation for capital works for the year is $291M, and that amongst work to be done is the construction of a new regional administrative building in Speight Land. “What you have happening,” he said, “is some different departments located in different areas… “The construction of the new RDC building will facilitate everyone; every-
body would be housed in one building, so whenever you have any issue, all of your business can be done at the same place.”
Region 10 Chairman, Renis Morian
The other projects under capital works is the construction of the Bamia Primary School; the construction and completion of the Bamia Nursery School; the construction of a health post in Mabura Hill; and an additional health centre in Amelia’s Ward, reputedly the largest housing scheme in the Caribbean.
According to Councillor Harris, there are roads that will be done on the Wismar shore such as Stanley Road in the Wismar Hill Primary School area; the ball-field road; the teachers’ compound main access road; and the post office road. Over on the Mackenzie shore, the roads that will be constructed are those such as Toucan Drive, Main Street Ameila’s Ward, the Speight Land access road, and River Side Drive road. As to the rehabilitation of the Upper Demerara Hospital, Councillor Harris said: “With this general rehabilitation, the Linden Hospital Complex is responsible for the UDH. So the people on the Wismar shore don’t have to expense themselves. REST ASSURED “So you can rest assured, residents of Wismar, that UDH will be up and running, and some of the services that are not there we will introduce them for the year.”
Councillor Belgrave, during her presentation, dwelt on the many schools that will be either undergoing major repairs or maintenance. “Under maintenance of buildings, we will be looking at 11 nursery schools, 12 primary schools, six secondary schools, four quarters in terms of teachers’ quarters and hostels, and we will be looking at emergency work,” Belgrave detailed. Councillor Gittens spoke on land and water transportation matters, highlighting that major purchases within the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) for the year will include two river ambulances, which will benefit residents living along both the Demerara and Berbice Rivers, and the purchase of a bus to aid in transporting children from Christianburg to St Aidans Primary, all to the value of $33.9M. Another $31M is to be spent on the purchase of examination couches, drip stands, fetal monitors, diag-
nostic sets, oxygen gauges and portable screens among other equipment for health centres, health posts and hospitals. Monies have also been budgetted for the purchase of white boards, projectors, science kits, computers, and air conditioning units among other equipment for Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools. Meanwhile, $4M will go towards the repair and maintenance of the Ituni Guest House, while another $5.1 M has been allocated to the maintenance of other infrastructure. According to the Regional Chairman, the RDC and the Mayor and Town Council will be collaborating in 2018 to do other roads aside from those listed. “We have the necessary equipment in Region 10 for these other road projects,” he said, adding: “What the Region needs right now is a truck. So, I’m making an open appeal to
all the agencies that we are prepared, as the Regional Democratic Council and the Mayor and Town Council, to bring more relief to residents of Region 10, but we are truly in need of a truck.” Apart from this year’s Capital Works Projects, the accomplishments of 2017 were also highlighted. According to Morian, the RDC has accomplished 100% of its works as it relates to bridges in the Upper Demerara-Berbice, roads, land and water transport (health), land and water transport (Education), furniture and equipment for education and furniture and equipment for health. However, they were only able to accomplish 99% in Buildings Administration; 96% in Infrastructural Development; 98% in Agricultural Development; and 77% in Buildings where education is concerned. He noted that they are working towards completing all work programme by September 2018.
Better to try and fail, than fail to try --young entrepreneur says, as she encourages others to take her lead
IT is no longer the case of sitting and waiting for a job to land in one’s lap, given the reality that jobs are few and far between in the Linden community. For decades, youths were forced to seek job opportunities outside of Linden, thus leaving their hometown and families behind. This resulted in the town becoming brain-drained, with most of the youths leaving after completing secondary school. For those who, unfortunately, had to stay right in the mining town, hoping for a miracle to occur, frustration became an observable factor, with many social ills trickling behind. Petty larceny, teenage pregnancy, gambling and smoking, while idle “liming” on the street corner were all becoming a norm. Fortunately, however, many youths are breaking the cycle of negativity and dependency, while seeking out alternative avenues to make a living. While capital may be an issue for many, youths are gravitating towards entrepreneurial ideas that do not require much money, but just the manifestation of their God-given talent. Two such persons are Nikisha Elexey and Jonelle Browne. Nikisha, who is a mother of three, has materialised a business idea that has, within the span of weeks, expanded and received an overwhelming
clientele. ‘Team Ari’s Designs’ is a creation of “selfie frames”, “photobooth props” for birthday parties, weddings, anniversaries, graduations or any other event possible, as well as personalised journals, diaries, art books etc.
are advantages and disadvantages, but according to Elexey, the pros by far outweigh the cons in a community starved of jobs as well as investment opportunities. “Linden has many talents,” she said, “but the resources are not there to assist persons who
Team Ari’s Designs photo props done by Nikisha
JUST A HOBBY While it started as just a hobby, Nikisha soon realised the demand for such art, and given her talent in doing so, commenced an aggressive social-media advertising which received overwhelming support. “I believe that entrepreneurs change the world. Our ideas are unconventional, and our imagination runs deeper than just inside the box,” Elexey posited. And as with any other business venture, there
are willing to invest. “It breaks my heart to see people have to forcefully leave the comfort of their hometown to seek jobs out of town, because of the fact that none is here in Linden. “On the other hand, we have those with degrees who are also unemployed, but vacancies do not exist that will best suit their qualifications.” It is with this thought in mind that the young entrepreneur is encouraging others to take the step she took, do some introspection, see where your
Nikisha and her three sons under a giant selfie frame she created
talent lies, and sell it. “Since I’ve introduced my ideas,” Nikisha said, “the majority of my customers gave positive feedback, and at the same time recommended me to their friends and family. “People need to start believing in themselves. Be optimistic! Have faith, and just get up! “So what, if you make a bad investment at first! It’s
better to try and fail, than failing to try; at least you will get to see your weakness, and get the opportunity to work on it.” IN HER HANDS Jonelle Destiny Brown has realised that the gift in her hands can also help her to earn, and while putting several ideas to the test, she decided that adding value to pepper is something that can grow. To-
day, she is the proud owner of her small business, ‘Destiny’s Pepper Sauce’. And while it still has a far way to go in terms of branding and marketing, Jonelle has also received overwhelming support and a growing clientele, especially from overseas. “First, it was very low on the market, but after a few months, I started to get customers from all over, even overseas,” Jonelle said, adding: “I would normally pay myself from the sales, and turn over the rest of the money into the business.” Since taking the leap of faith, her life has been positively affected, and she has been seeing financial progress. “Every time I see success in the business,” Jonells said, “it motivates me to keep working hard, not just doing pepper sauce alone, but to go for whatever my heart desires to do. “Despite the challenges, I am proud to be called a young entrepreneur.” Jonelle would like to encourage other youths to always have a ‘Plan B’, because they might not always get to do what they want to do. Being creative is what is needed in an overcrowded market, and when challenges arise, she said, youths should not stumble but take control and remain positive. President of the Linden Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Turn to page 18
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 25, 2018
Gold’s the new bauxite --as Lindeners try to turn community’s fortunes around
IT’S no secret that the bauxite company is no longer the sole means of employment for Linden. And with the reduction in bauxite production and room enough for just 600-odd employees, there’s only so much the Bosai Minerals Guyana Group (BMGG) can do for Linden; thus the unemployment rate is still at an all-time high. The mining town of Linden not only got its fame from the heydays of bauxite mining, but the fact also that many of its male residents possessed the many technical and engineering skills needed to drive the sector. Many of these skills were honed at the then DEMBA Trade School in the 1960s, and later, with the nationalisation of the Bauxite Company in the 1970s, by the Linden Technical Institute.
Today, even with the downsizing of bauxite and the establishment of several expatriate goldmining companies here, those skills are still very much in demand. In fact, according to Public Relations officer of the Guyana Gold Fields Inc, Mr Leon Roberts, approximately 60% of the company’s entire workforce is made up of Lindeners, be it at the technical, administrative or managerial levels. Statistics coming out of Troy Resources also, show that there are approximately 150 Lindeners employed at the company, which is a total of some 30% of its entire workforce. There are also about 30 Lindeners who are employed with contractors on the mine site. DREAM COME TRUE One of Troy Resources
employees, Paul Mc Gregor, who just landed himself his dream job, and was recently promoted as well, said that being employed at the company is one of the best things that ever happened to him. “I applied for the job, but with little hopes I would get through. And long after I got called, I couldn’t believe it! Now I have a very good job, because, for a while, I was doing odd jobs in Linden to make it through, though I had my skills,” he said, adding: “It took patience. And I recently got promoted too.” But not only are Lindeners filling positions at the private companies, as about 15% of the employees at the Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) are also from the mining town. And for those young men who cannot get into the companies because of the lack
of academic qualifications or vocational skills, there’s still a role to play in the gold mining as **sector by being regular pork knockers in the ‘gold bushes’. Whether it is being employed by an established dredge owner, being part of a syndicate or managing their own pumps on their own, many residents of Linden are
options. So I decided to buy a pump and take the gamble; and it didn’t turn out too bad. “Is just that yuh does got to be away from home for long periods. But for me, being away is like being out of trouble.” But gold mining is nothing new for Lindeners, as while to some it may seem that this is the new trend in
Paul McGregor, an employee of Troy Resources Incorporated
‘running the gold bush.’ For many, though it may be risky, see it as having no choice, giving the high unemployment rate in the town. For others, it is just a way of staying out of the limelight and keeping out of trouble. THE ONLY OPTION Ryan Carter, who became a pork-knocker after leaving school, said that while it was not what he had in mind, it was one of the few legal options available. “I never saw myself going into the bush,” Ryan said, “but out here ain’t had much
the township, history has it that upon the establishment of Omai Gold Mines, many Lindeners scored employment at the company. In fact, according to one former employee, a large percentage of the entire workforce was from Linden. This was so, he said, because Lindeners possessed the skills needed for mining gold. “Yes! I can recall actually everyone was from Linden! A lot; especially in my department! “I was a welder, and most of my ‘squaddies’ were Lindeners,” Lester Clarke, who’s now a pensioner, recalled.
Better to try and ... Victor Fernandes would like to commend all those youths who have taken the creative path of entrepreneurship, so that they can provide for themselves. He said that the Chamber is well aware of the frustration that comes with job-seeking in a community that is short on jobs, and is therefore advocating for entrepreneurial skills, as this would pivot the economy in a positive way. GO FOR IT “The Chamber is encouraging persons to use their God-given abilities and talent to be creative and earn,” Mr Fernandes said, adding: |That in itself is a plus, because you can in turn cre-
ate employment for others.” The Chamber, he said, is always there to lend support to these youths, give advice and initiate funding. The Linden Enterprise Network (LEN) is also encouraging youths to visit their office with their creative business ideas, so they can access funding of up to $1M. The government has pooled into LEN $155M in 2015; $100M in 2016; and $90M in 2017, and therefore funds are available for youths who desire to pursue legitimate businesses. Member of Parliament, Jermaine Figueira, who is also a young entrepreneur
When asked why he felt that Lindeners have what it takes to do just about anything they set their minds to, Clarke had a mouthful to say, and he did so quite confidently: “Because nowhere else you can go in this country and find skilled people like Linden people. “Linden people are the most skilful people; when it comes to technical skills and engineering skills, they fit in easily. “You have to remember that everyone looked to the bauxite company for work, so from young, you grow up with this aim of working at the bauxite company. “When many people finish school, they tried to acquire the skills back then to get into the company. So when the company start collapsing, everyone still had the skills, and they could have fit into any other kind of mining.” Suffice it to say that OMAI played a major role in the development of Linden, and when the company closed operations, things somewhat took a downturn for Linden. Many persons lost their jobs and had to seek other avenues for employment. “Many persons decided to buy cars, and started to do taxi work,” Mr Clarke said. “Many persons opened welding shops; many persons open businesses. Some man migrate, different things,” he added. And when Bosai started operations in 2007, many of these same people were rescued and regained meaningful employment prior to the establishment of the present gold mining companies. Not only are these companies contributing significantly to the economy of Linden, but this has positive rippling effects in many ways to the livelihood of Lindeners. Con’t fr. page 17
and has piloted several entrepreneurial programmes in Region 10, said that the community has tremendous potential for niche markets, and therefore has congratulated all young entrepreneurs in the region who have decided to take the risk to venture out of the box and start their own small businesses. Said he: “A business birthed out of their gifting, use of their hands to cook, sew, create leather craft or cake-making is a business worthy of prospering.” Figueira is encouraging Lindeners to support these youths, as this will create a ripple effect on the town’s economy.
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GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday, January 25, 2018
Gone, but not forgotten --Remembering three fallen soldiers
A CELEBRATORY mood permeated the atmosphere over the mining town of Linden at the break of the new year. Everyone seemed to be in high spirits, only too happy that they made it to 2018. A new Mayor and Deputy Mayor were elected, and the Regional Democratic Council was allocated a mega-budget of $3.4B. Things were indeed looking up for Linden! Until the sudden demise of Sandra Adams, Debra George, and young Teon Wilson! Needless to say, social media was abuzz with the news of their passing. Indeed, the first week of the new year was a week of mourning for Linden, and the first thing that came to mind was the old saying, “O death, where is thy sting?” It was pandemonium as news spread of the death of Sandra Adams; someone who possessed such an extraordinary strength and valour, that even death seemed out of place. HER INFECTIOUS LAUGHTER Though she was hospitalised a few days before, no one had death in their minds, as she was already up and about after being discharged. For those who mingled with her days before her passing, the
memory of her infectious laughter, her charisma and a voice that was easily identifiable will forever be etched in their minds and hearts. Even to this day, the tributes continue to pour
to do. Adams wore many hats, and for this she was a monumental figure who left Region 10 in a quandary as to who will take on the baton and be the catalyst for change and development. President David Grang-
Sandra Adams
out on how Ms Adams made a difference in the lives of the common man on the streets of Region 10 while working vigorously for the party closest to heart: The People’s National Congress Reform, and by extension the government. There was no denying that she loved her President, and this was evident in everything she set about
Debra George
er called her a hard worker; a woman that was loyal and dedicated to the service of her country and development of her people. “She was a good gift for our party, our community and country,” the President said. “I readily recognised her sincerity, her strength and her commitment. Sandra Adams had three great loves: Her family, her party and the Linden community. “Her national award was well deserved; I would be the happiest party leader in the western hemisphere, if I had one Sandra Adams in every region in Guyana.” Glowing testimonies of Adam’s unshakable patriotism, her unwavering stance for what is right and love for humanity were also paid by leaders of Region 10 and Government officials. She will surely be missed, and the struggle to replace her is one that may never be overcome. TWO AT ONE GO Then in one day, 03:00 hrs and 09:00 hrs respec-
tively, the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) lost two staff members. Sister Debra George lost her battle with cancer, while young Registered Nurse, Teon Wilson lost his battle with sickle cell. This was indeed a blow to the LHC, and by extension, the Linden community, as they both touched the lives of many in an extraordinary way. Reminiscing on Sister George was her husband, Pastor Mark George, and her aunt, Ms Velva Waithe. She was said to be a quiet and loving soul who was overwhelmingly selfless and generous to the less fortunate. She had a way impacting persons’ lives in a positive way, especially in the church in which she was an elder and women’s leader. “Debra was a soft-spoken woman; I never saw her get angry, and she took the same ethics into her work situation,” Aunt Velva recalled. She was a supportive and subjective wife, and though she never had children, she mothered many sons and daughters. At the time of her passing, she was a Junior Departmental Sister, and had reached this post after seeking several avenues of elevation, including completing her bachelor’s degree in nursing. She also took part in several humanitarian causes, and was a member of “Women on the Move”, a cancer awareness organisation. “She took a particular interest in the children of the Haruni Orphanage, and in December 2016, she invited all of them to her home and feted them even as she battled her illness,” Aunt Velva said. “She never spoke of death; she always saw life, and that she would get up out of that bed. She had that overwhelming faith in God, and the strength to fight. “We will miss her quiet way and her sweet smile, and her ability to cope with challenges while remaining positive and having faith in God.”
Her colleague, Brother Colin McDonald remembered her as a stalwart whose contribution was noting short of than significant. “It is indeed a giant loss to the LHC,” he said. Similar sentiments were expressed by Matron Annette Jones, who said that Sister George was a quiet worker who performed her duties with diligence. “She was always smiling, despite the circumstances,” Matron Jones said. “She was a role model to her peers and subordinates; the hospital has lost one of its best workers it the field of nursing.”
was two years old. But instead of staying at home, he preferred to go to work to serve his patients. “He loved his job, despite having his pains. He went to work, because he enjoyed it; he was so helpful and knowledgeable, it is so sad that it was shortlived,” she said. He was also a loving son; very quiet, and preferred to be at home, keeping her company, mom Gwyneth said. “Teon fought a good fight; he went to MHS and did well. He was a brilliant child; there was nothing too difficult for him to do.
Teon Wilson
DEDICATED, HARDWORKING At 30, Teon Wilson was a Registered Nurse, who, despite battling sickle cell, was hailed as a dedicated and hardworking nurse who loved his profession and will be missed dearly. His grieving mother, Gwyneth, said that it pains her that the career that her younger son worked so hard to achieve was short-lived, since it is not yet four years since he passed his state final examinations and was confirmed an RN, something he wanted to achieve since he was a child. She reminisced on the many days he was in intense pain as a result of the disease with which he was diagnosed since he
“We had a very good relationship; a mother- andson relationship, and so this is very hard for me,” she added. Though he suffered from sickle cell, his death was deemed rather sudden, as he was very normal even mere hours before taking in and being rushed to the hospital. Brother McDonald, who was his supervisor, described Teon as a fighter with unique talents, and someone who was on the job for the sake of the job. “He put the needs of others before his,” Brother McDonald said. Linden will forever remember these three fallen soldiers, and hopes that their souls find eternal peace.