Residents of Linden should prepare to benefit from increased trade, tourism and investment as Guyana strengthens its links with Brazil, Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond said on Wednesday.

Speaking during a Cabinet outreach, Waldrond said Brazilian visitors were already travelling into Guyana and the Linden-Mabura Road could bring increased movement of people and goods through Region Ten.

“You should start thinking when all these people are coming, what can I sell to them?” she told residents.

She urged entrepreneurs to expand businesses to meet rising demand, pointing to opportunities in accommodation, transportation and food services.

Residents could develop bed-and-breakfasts, rent rooms, operate taxis, expand restaurants or establish other small businesses to cater to visitors, she said.

Walrond also promoted Linden’s tourism potential, highlighting its lakes, resorts and recreational activities as attractions for international visitors.

She said increased tourism spending could benefit a wide range of residents, including waitresses, drivers, maintenance workers, food vendors, restaurant operators and market vendors.

“The idea is ultimately to provide opportunities for you, the citizen,” Walrond said.

She also encouraged young people to take advantage of free education from nursery through university, saying the opportunities available should not be taken for granted.

Walrond acknowledged that development could bring challenges and urged residents to speak openly about problems affecting their communities.

“Our skin is not thin. My skin is not thin. So you can say all that you need to say,” she said.

She said concerns raised during the two-day Cabinet outreach were entered into a portal reviewed by President Irfaan Ali and referred to the relevant ministers or government agencies for action.