A simple, down-to-earth country girl at heart
— who’s still coming to terms with city life
WE often hear about Norman Whittaker, the Minister within the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development. But how often do we hear about his better half, Ms Beverley Whittaker? It is understandable why we have to repeatedly hear about Mr. Whittaker, but we need to read about the woman who has been behind him, supporting him for many years.
Mrs. Whittaker came across as a very down-to-earth and pleasant individual when we met on a trip to the Moruca sub-region recently.
As usual, she was there with her husband as he engaged in meetings with residents of several villages.

The petite 42-year-old grew up in Kumaka, in the Mabaruma sub-region of Region 1 (Barima/Waini). She lived there for roughly 35 years before moving to Georgetown, and hence is relatively new to city life.
However, during the periods when school was closed, she would bring her four children to Georgetown. She is mother to three girls and one boy. She has never engaged in secular work, and has used all of her time to being there at home for her husband and children.
“I strive to be a good mother; I really try,” she said. “I also brought up a niece and nephew. That is why I never wanted to go and work. I’ve always wanted to be there to see them grow up properly. I just wanted to be there to advise them whenever they needed help.”
Beverley married Norman about two years ago, after living with him for about 20 years. They met when he was a teacher in Mabaruma. While being the headmaster at that school, he also did some work for Mrs. Whittaker’s brother-in-law. So they were often in contact with each other.
Mrs. Whittaker loves Region 1. “It’s nice and quiet. Everybody looks out for each other. I really enjoyed living there,” she said, observing that the same cannot be said of Georgetown.
By way of explaining what she meant, she said: “For example, you may need something, and someone would assist you (in Region 1). Mabaruma has really nice people. Everybody is just so simple.”
She describes herself as a simple person as well. “And that’s because I know how I grew up. I am not rich, I grew up poor, so I always want to remain that way; be that down-to-earth person.”
Her parents were farmers, and they led a very simple life. She grew up helping on the farm on weekends, when she was off from school. “My parents always taught us that no matter what you have, you should remain that same down-to-earth person, and God will be pleased with you.
“In this life, I don’t want to be a rich person. All I want is a simple life. I just want to have my needs (met). And I know for sure, he (Mr. Whittaker) is that type of person, too. He loves to help people.”
Asked how she copes with the change from that ‘quiet’ lifestyle to the life of being a minister’s wife, Mrs. Whittaker said: “It’s nothing strange. For me, it’s the same life. I just keep the same lifestyle I had.
“For the first, after he became minister, it was a little hard, but I got accustomed to it. I am trying still, but normally, I go with him on his outreaches whenever I can. I try to be at his side, even since he was Regional Chairman and headmaster. That helps us to keep in touch.
“He always offers to take me at his own expense; and if I can’t go, he would ask to take one of the kids with him,” Mrs. Whittaker explained.
She described her husband as “a very quiet and simple person.”
She enjoys helping people, and in addition to raising her four children, has taken on the responsibility of raising others. She believes in helping people who are really in need. “Right now, I am raising a child whom I took from its parents at three days old. I do it because I know they (the parents) need help; I don’t help people who I know could afford it.”
Mrs. Whittaker doesn’t know what it feels like to have enemies. “I am good with everyone. People say I am friendly and down-to-earth.” She also enjoys making jokes, some rough and some ‘adult’.
“I like to live my life to please The Man Above, not to please people. And I don’t hide what I am. If I have a beer to drink, I drink it. I don’t hide, because I am not living my life to please people.”