– Toshao Davair
TOSHAO of Orealla, in Region Six (East Berbice/Corentyne), Mr. Mclean Davair is convinced that agriculture is the only way forward for the community and that is being promoted.
In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, he said logging, once the primary activity in the village, has been exhausted because loggers now have to go further into the forest to get logs and the task has become more tedious.
In addition, Davair said the machinery being used is becoming obsolete and cannot suit the purpose as before.
“Things are harder for us now and buying new machines is not feasible when we look at it,” he said.
According to him: “People have to eat. Food will always be needed, so we do not see much of a problem with agriculture. We can supply fruits and vegetables and make life better here.”
Davair said transporting produce to Skeldon, the nearest big market to Orealla, will not be difficult as many residents have access to boats.
“Land is not an issue either. We have enough land to do cultivation here,” he maintained, noting the optimistic mindset being encouraged.
Asked about community acceptance of the new direction, Davair observed that, in general, change is never something people warm to but pointed out that several persons have already made the shift.
“Slowly, people are seeing that agriculture is a successful venture,” he said.
Davair explained that it is more expensive to purchase goods and services within Orealla, than it is to make the journey to Skeldon, which can take as long as four hours.
“It was not like this before,” he said, justifying that switch to agricultural pursuits.
Davair said the community is also looking to set up a large store, in an effort to boost affordability of necessary commodities.
He said the June 28 meeting will concentrate on that venture and the Bharrat Jagdeo  Administration has made available two grants of $1.5M to assist with development.

THANKFUL

“We are thankful to the President for assisting us,” Davair said.
He disclosed that some of the money will be expended on establishing the store and the remainder is earmarked for another project to be agreed on by the people.
Davair said complete involvement of the community is their way of life in Orealla.
“Here, we live like a family, helping one another and sharing and celebrating with each other. We develop Orealla together,” he said.
Comparing Orealla with other parts of the country, Davair observed that on the coast land, for example, if one person is in need of something, the individual has to go purchase it. In Orealla, you can ask your neighbour.
He said life in Orealla is simple and that understanding is grasped by even the small children.
Davair said the younger ones have access to all levels of education in Orealla, at nursery, primary and secondary Schools.
He disclosed that there are between 40 and 50 on roll in the nursery; 383 in the primary and 20 currently in the secondary.
“We have a challenge with the secondary level. Right now, a section of the primary school is being used to do secondary work. We have limited teachers, too,” Davair lamented.
He said there is no problem in that area as the health centre is manned by a medex and community health worker. A doctor visits once a month and delivers medicines and other related supplies.
Davair said the health centre needs to be renovated and that undertaking is being  looked at but not as a big issue.
He said, at the Police Station, the only serious issue that warrants its attention involves boys trying to engage under age girls in sexual activities and the matter is before the Court.
Davair noted that no road is very smooth always and there are bumps. Likewise, in Orealla, there are challenges that present themselves and water supply is the more pressing issue affecting the people.

However, he is optimistic that the diversion to agriculture, as the main economic thrust, would turn things around in Orealla, as almost everyone is doing some form of cultivation and more success is anticipated in the near future.
Davair said the availability of electricity is a big leap forward for the community to which it is available from 18:00 h to 23:00h each day.
Schools get electricity from 09:00 h to 11:00 h and it facilitates information technology (IT) classes.
Davair  said Private Sector involvement is bolstering the quality of life and some entities are exploring the tourism potential of Orealla.
“Orealla is the gateway to places like Cow Falls, a place many people are very interested in seeing,” he offered.
Davair said the community has many things available, including craft made by the  women and scenery.
“The Orealla experience is a good one,” he said of the village where he has been the Toshao for four years and has about 1,200 people, mainly Amerindians of the Arawak and Warau tribes.