–A village in welcome transition

ONE should not listen to sordid stories or tales of folly told about villages without one making one’s own investigation. Because, if you do, you may certainly walk away with the wrong impression of a location which is otherwise remarkable, homely and quite interesting.

Mocha/Arcadia is a community I had always wanted to visit, but tales of ethnic division with its concomitant animosity told to me by my colleagues always deterred me from that enterprise. However, I recently decided to throw caution to the wind and visit the area to feature life in that community. I was pleasantly surprised to find jovial, contented people and a village that was showing fair signs of infrastructural development.
I received my first positive surprise the minute my party turned off the East Bank Highway and onto the Mocha/Arcadia Access Road. While I expected to find potholes in accordance with the sordid tales I had been told, we were just cruising luxuriously on a brand new asphalt covered road that certainly satisfied my desire for travelling.
At that instant, I silently applauded Government and the relevant authorities for taking time out to ensure that residents travelled in style and comfort in accessing Mocha/Arcadia.
Our ride was very relaxing, especially because of the ready availability of fresh ‘country breeze’ which cannot be found in the Garden City of Georgetown…. Wide, lush pastures and thick green foliage rolled by as my driver stepped up his pace a little. However, I instructed him to slow down to cruising speed, because I wanted to enjoy the beauty and simplicity of this community. Here and there were a few donkeys and horses enjoying the healthy grass in open fields, or just grazing lazily by the roadside.

Then we arrived at our destination, and were met by a very polite and smiling young man, who was going to give us the grand tour of Mocha/Arcadia.
This location certainly appealed to me with its intriguing Old World charm, and that certain aura of harmony permeating the atmosphere somehow gripped me with its intensity. The rich laughter of youths chasing each other in and out of small streets and alleyways added to that mesmerizing ambience of the community and indicated that the community’s people were just living life to the fullest and having fun.
Mocha/Arcadia was occupied primarily by people of African ancestry during the days of slavery. The community derived its name from the principal activity that used to be engaged in there: coffee production. Located some six miles from ‘The Garden City’ (as the capital of Georgetown is sometimes called), this village presents quite a comforting spectacle when viewed from the East Bank Public Road.

A vehicle ride a considerable distance along its access road would take visitors first into the section called Arcadia, then into Mocha, which has not lost its historic aura, although showing signs of evolving from its Old World charm.
Joie de vivre
Many villages are popular for their high levels of camaraderie amongst residents, but I have got to admit that Mocha/Arcadia seems to be topping the others by far.
There was just a certain ‘hustle and bustle’ to the village, as residents hurried to attend daily chores and/or get the groceries.
Many persons have already begun their frenzied shopping for the holidays, and housewives seemed to be on fire as they ganged up at several small stalls getting goodies for the kitchen. The topics they discussed ranged from Christmas shopping to grocery prices, to the latest fashion; and some were bold enough to be discussing the ‘bedroom inadequacies’ of their husbands, their shrill laughter piercing the air.

In open yards, little girls were chasing each other playing customary girlish games, while all around residents just seemed to be rushing here and there, the spirit of love and intense harmony mirrored in their smiles. Already, families were making preparation for the Christmas season.

Mocha/Arcadia today
Today, this location is rapidly taking on the appearance that comes with modern transformation. And that is because the access road to Mocha/Arcadia is now a feature quite fitting for peaceful and comfortable travel.
And with arrival of the New Mocha/Arcadia Housing Scheme, the location has already entered a phase of ready sophistication.

In bygone years, the tales of Mocha/Arcadia detailed a picture of the fused village laced with muddy dams, impassable roads, poor drainage, and other negative issues. Residents at one time took to blocking roads in protest of the village’s not-so-impressive infrastructure and lack of a steady supply of potable water.
Today, however, things are improving, and residents are more than grateful for the interventions of the powers that be in the affairs of Mocha/Arcadia.
Mocha/Arcadia continues to visibly evolve in its development, and today has its own police outpost, National Library and several areas of worship. There are also Digicel and GT&T signal stations in the area, so telephone communication, especially cellular, is at its best.

Keeping with tradition

One can be amazed at the unique manner in which residents of Mocha/Arcadia continue to keep abreast with their culture and traditions.
The African drums are still a very vibrant feature in this village, and some promoter has indicated his/her willingness and intention to resuscitate and continue the custom of the annual May Fairs, which are quite a hit among villagers.
That aside, the village comes alive whenever a resident is getting married. Everyone gets excited because they know for sure that it’s ‘bacchanal time’ as they congregate for the ‘queh-queh’ and other celebrations that precede such events.
One can only imagine what goes on at the ‘big shove-down’, as they would call it when the ‘queh-queh’ time comes around.
As night falls, robust women, their firm, curvaceous hips striding proudly, make their way to the wedding house. The teenage girls would have already been there, attired in their best outfits; and the men by this time are almost already drunk from Eldorado brown rum and other beverages that are available.

And in the back yard, the huge pots bubble as the metem-gee, cook-up rice, and curried beef are cooked to perfection. The coal pots are red hot from all the coal that has been dumped into the them, and feisty older women take turns at stirring the pots with what looks like large wooden paddles.
The delicious aroma wafts into the air from the boiling pots, causing stomachs to growl in anticipation of the meals to come later. Then the arresting sound of African drums rents the air, and everyone seems to come alive that very instant. The men stop their drinking and the young girls begin to fix their attire with mischief gleaming in their eyes.
Then the ‘buxom mamas’ (sturdy and very curvy women) came forward and they all form a line. In no time, they are going around in a circle, gyrating or performing African dance techniques to the pulsating tempo of the drums.

Peals of laughter and squeals of delight fill the air as the senses of the revellers are set on fire, further infused with alcohol and good food. This fiesta continues into the wee hours of the morning, before residents trudge to their homes, dying to get into bed.

Entertainment
It is quite evident that residents of Mocha/Arcadia are not allowing themselves to be starved of entertainment opportunities, as in times gone by.
Years ago, residents were forced to travel great distances to ensure they had a good time, on pay weekends especially. While this was a treat for villagers, they were still faced with the problem of getting road transport back to the village after their nights of bliss, since drivers were scared to travel the Mocha/Arcadia road, which was in deplorable condition at that time.
Some drivers were also scared to traverse the area late at nights because of a few criminal elements that would lie in wait on the lonely strip of road in their attempt to rob drivers and commuters alike. On enquiring, some residents noted that the ‘criminal factors’ were actually persons from outside villages who were plying their ‘horrid trade’ on the then dark and unlit road.
No longer are residents forced to travel long distances in search of entertainment. The relatively new ‘Apple’ nightclub and few other smaller nightspots offer karaoke and various concept parties, but mostly at weekends.

Government intervention
Mocha/Arcadia residents certainly welcome Government’s attention, which they currently enjoy. From several interviews, it was quite obvious that the majority of residents were elated that the village, over time, has benefited from Government’s initiatives.
The new road has, no doubt, made life much easier for villagers, removing the rigours they faced before. This road will facilitate access to the Remigrants’ Housing Scheme, the Providence Moderate Housing Scheme, and the existing Mocha/Arcadia Housing Scheme.

Sad reminiscences
Amidst the joys shared by the people of Mocha/Arcadia, some residents are still haunted by the tale of a resident who went missing in August of this year, and was, several days later, discovered dead in the backdam areas about a mile from the village.
The body of Delon Melville, 26, of Lot 134 Nelson Street, Mocha Arcadia, was discovered by two boys who were going to catch birds in the backdam about a mile from the village. Villagers related that his body bore several stab wounds, while the back of his head was reportedly shaved and his two legs had been broken. He was naked, and a white vest had been wrapped around his neck, with a portion covering his face.
His brother, Dennis Melville, said that ever since Delon had disappeared, the family had never stopped looking for him. He said that prior to his disappearance, the now deceased young man had gone to borrow a DVD from a video shop and had returned home; but soon after watching the movie with his nephew, he had received a telephone call and had left the home. That was the last time he had been seen alive.
Attempts to contact him on his mobile phone had proved futile. The brother stated that a missing person’s report had been lodged at the Mocha Police Outpost, and some time later, his sister had received a text message from Delon’s mobile phone and had decided to call the number. When she did, a male had answered the phone, saying his name was Junior, and had related to her the tragic news.
Upon receiving that bit of information, Delon’s sister had enquired about the body, but was told by the caller that he would return a call to give directions, but he never did. She related that she had received the call after she had retired to bed.
A few mornings after, when she answered the ring of her telephone, she recognised her cousin’s voice, and he told her that two boys had found Delon’s body as they were going through a tract to catch birds. They were alerted to the body by the almost intolerable stench, since decomposition had set in.

Livelihood
Most of the residents seek employment outside of the village. Few of them are pork-knockers in the interior regions. However, it seems like the roles of the housewives have changed these days, since a large number of houses showcase ‘small shops or stalls’ manned by mothers, who sit all day trading their groceries, black pudding, egg balls, polouri, or custard blocks for a quick dollar.
Lots of residents depend on farming, not only for an income, but also to keep a steady supply of fresh vegetables, ground provisions and other items on the table. Others are more concerned with the income generated from cattle and poultry rearing.

Great talent
Vocal talent abounds in Mocha/Arcadia, and one home-grown youth is now chalking up notable points on the music chart with his remarkable talent.
Born and raised in the historic village of Mocha, as a young child, ‘Problemz’, as he prefers to be called, always had a calling to music. He was raised among his own people, who were rich in culture, and he could often be found in the village of Buxton with friends.
Problemz was always near his close-knit family, who helped guide him from early childhood. Problemz and his family migrated to the United States of America where, as a youth in The Big Apple, Problemz was faced with adjusting to a new country, a new environment, a mixture of various cultures, people from all walks of life, and beliefs beyond his family upbringing. He often found himself dreaming of becoming an artist.
He strongly believed it were possible for dreams to come true, and never gave up the hope of one day becoming a star. Problemz began performing in various talent shows around the New York area, and soon realized that this was the road he was to follow. He took upon himself to learn the multifaceted business of music, and his family saw him change from a boy into a man who was taking the path of reggae artistry and song writing.
Problemz got his first taste of stardom when he performed at the world famous APOLLO Theater at the age of twelve and became an instant hit. He was soon performing all over town and in places such as the Pyramid and Joe’s Pubs in New York City. In 2008, Problemz travelled to Grenada and performed in Victoria at the St. Mark’s Day Celebration. Not forgetting where he originally came from, Problemz also made several stops in his homeland of Guyana, and showered his people with several outstanding shows.
Problemz’s main goal is to expose the Guyanese essence of Reggae music into the industry. He has over 50 songs already recorded, and continues to work in the studio nonstop. He also released an underground album in 2008, entitled “Judgment”.
He is having a meteoric rise on the reggae scene, and is said to be the next fast rising star with a whole lot of “Gt” (Guyanese) flavour. Problemz’s songs have been getting air play from many radio stations in the United States and abroad.

D& I
The National Drainage and Irrigation Authority (NDIA) has been very vibrant in the Mocha/ Arcadia area, working to strengthen drainage systems and maintain the cleanliness of the drains and canals.
In times gone by, access to potable water was indeed an issue in the Mocha/Arcadia area, and residents had lamented the adverse effects it had placed on their well-being and existence. That was targeted in 2009 by the Guyana Citizens’ Initiative (GCI), an entity registered under the Friendly Societies Act, in association with the Mocha/Arcadia Barnwell Motivators and Action Committee, which implemented rainwater technology projects at four sites in the Mocha/Arcadia and Caneview communities on the East Bank of Demerara.
The projects, which began in October 2006, were designed to bring clean water to these communities, and was centred on meeting seven of eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
GCI provided G$1,847,835., while the Mocha/Arcadia Barnwell Motivators and Action Committee made in-kind contributions. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Ecoclubs United, an NGO connected to provision of water, provided technical and monitoring support to the project.
At that time, Guyana had many unregulated areas that were not provided with water, electricity and social services, because they were not incorporated within official local government boundaries. The key beneficiaries of the intervention were poor elderly people; single-parent families, some with more than five children; homes with large numbers of extended family members; and families with disabled individuals (shut-ins).

Recreational and infrastructural needs
There is still great scope for upgrading and implementing of recreational facilities in Mocha/Arcadia. Presently, the Mocha Playfield could well do with some refurbishing, and there are still smaller roads in the village that need repairing. Residents are desirous of having a playfield or fun park for children, since they have to journey to the city to enjoy such luxuries.
Despite the little ‘ups’ and ‘downs’ that residents encounter from time to time, Mocha/Arcadia is truly a ‘must visit item’ you must tick off on your calendar as you plan your trekking and exploring.