Episode 17 – From Ferry to Bridge
Ryan drove at a leisurely pace as they headed to the county of Berbice. By now, his Uncle had gotten accustomed to the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) in which they were travelling. From what Uncle Benji had previously mentioned, such comfortable journeys during the time he resided here were illusionary. Ryan was aware of his Uncle’s horrible experiences when he visited Berbice a few decades ago. From his Uncle’s chatter, it seemed that those unforgettable trips have left a lasting impression. The more time they spent together, the more Ryan began to understand the many difficulties his Uncle and others endured during that oppressive period. Given the numerous freedoms and the modern lifestyle he and thousands of his peers have been exposed to, he found it extremely difficult to fathom that people were forced to be subjected to tyrannical rule during the period his Uncle lived here. He eventually realised that that period is an undeniable part of the nation’s history.

For Ryan and his peers and the general Guyanese populace, life without a vehicle and modern amenities is inconceivable. He knows how easy it is to acquire a vehicle. Locals Banks and Auto dealers offer very affordable plans for anyone, especially young people to become vehicle owners. Similar plans are available for other necessities and luxuries and homes. This is the Guyana Ryan knows. A Guyana that is free, prosperous with ongoing rapid development; a Guyana in which food and food items abound.

This is the Guyana that Uncle Benji is oblivious of. This is the Guyana he and thousands of others dreamt of. This is the Guyana he is getting to know. This is the Guyana he wished his late wife could have seen. The thought of his wife Shelia not seeing a developing Guyana is always painful for him. He had promised her a better life when they got married. It didn’t happen. They were however able to experience some aspects of a better life. Unfortunately it wasn’t in Guyana. It was in the United States during the latter stages of Sheila’s life.

The pain exacerbated when he realised that thousands of his peers would never enjoy the Guyana they had wishfully spoken about. The familiar ones are all dead. Ironically, the more comfortable he felt in the vehicle, the angrier he became; angry at the fact that those he really cared and sacrificed for cannot share in the joy that continues to unfold before him. Such joys in comfort were grabbed by the privileged few who were in authority during the oppressive regime. The masses were always left to suffer the indignity of being subjugated.

While the anger permeated his seemingly fragile body, it was being repelled by a gradually empowering feeling of pride, satisfaction and elation at the many advances the country has undergone over the years. One thing is pellucid to him; the Guyana he left no longer exists. The backward, undeveloped and bankrupt nation he knew had disappeared into oblivion. He was happy. As they traversed the smooth paved road, a few tears of joy trickled down his freckled face. He didn’t hesitate to inform his nephew about the impassable state of the roads and the many dilapidated vehicles then.

He explained that, while he possessed limited mechanical knowledge, he felt that the Morris Oxfords, the Hillmans, the Vauxhalls and other models of cars then are much more durable than those manufactured now. They were unfortunately rendered dilapidated due to the unavailability and astronomical costs of spares. He knew of some ingenious mechanics and car owners who were able to incorporate substitute parts to help the vehicles survive. With this in mind, he almost jumped out of the moving vehicle when he saw a Morris Oxford approaching from the opposite direction.

His excitement seemingly became uncontrollable for a moment. Ryan watched in amazement as his Uncle showed child-like characteristics as he spoke about the Morris Oxford. Ryan countered by saying such cars are considered antiques and have been replaced by the more fashionable BMWs, Mercedes, Prados, Land Cruisers, Tundras, Titans and other modern vehicles. For a moment Uncle Benji thought his nephew was speaking a foreign language when he named the vehicles that now dominate Guyana’s landscape.

Fuelled by the sight of the Morris Oxford, his excitement grew as he saw the new and modern bridges at Mahaica and Mahaicony, the new stretches of road at Unity and parts of Mahaicony. Ryan explained that the new stretches vastly reduced the time it took to get from Georgetown to Rosignol. Uncle Benji, still excited, explained the many dangerous turns drivers had to navigate in those days. He even mentioned the names of a few turns, including “Dutch Man”. He noted the added danger when driving at nights. He enquired from Ryan if they will be driving back when dark.

Ryan shook his head in the affirmative and allayed his Uncle’s fear by explaining that numerous stretches of the roadway have street lights. An expression of shock inundated Uncle Benji’s face. Street lights in the country side? What next he thought. As he grew accustomed to the smooth roads and new bridges, he couldn’t wait to get to Rosignol. As he enquired how much longer to the famous Ferry Stelling, Ryan told him that they were not going there. Uncle Benji wondered why and if Ryan had changed his mind from going to the Corentyne. Ryan explained that commuters no longer need to go to Rosignol to get to Region 6.

The reason, floored Uncle Benji. A bridge across the Berbice River? He learnt that his nephew is a prankster. But why pull a prank on a seventy-five year old man? They soon reached D’Edward village which is home to the approach to the now famous Berbice River Bridge. Uncle Benji was dumbfounded; speechless. Why did his nephew not tell him before? This was the “icing on the cake” since his return. A bridge? No more long hours in a line to cross in the Ferry? No longer is the Ferry necessary? Wow! He asked to exit the vehicle to feast his eyes on the majestic bridge.

As he looked, having cleaned his spectacles at least twice, the sight of the bridge across the country’s second largest river was unbelievable; more than the short time it took them to get there. As he quietly observed, he pined for Shelia. He spared a though for the Ferry. How easy. How quickly. How effortless. To cross the river no longer requires a boat. How has time changed he thought. As he made his way back to the vehicle, he saw his nephew smiling. He knew what the smile meant. Indeed, dis time is really nah lang time!

To be continued….