In the days when the train was in use, as it ran along the East Coast of Demerara, there were many incidents of and stories told of collision with cows, sheep and goats. Whenever this occurred, the train continued on its way and the villagers rejoiced. Fresh, free, meat! 

From every home people would erupt and grab as much meat as they could. Back at home they would immediately start cooking or salting the meat because refrigeration was a luxury in those days.
Chug! Chug! Chug! Chug!
The noisy steam engine got closer.
Bang! Thud!
The noise was unmistakable. A cow had been hit. As the train sped on the villagers were galvanised into action. With an assortment of pots, pans, bags and bare hands, they descended on the dead cow. In less than fifteen minutes there was little evidence of the accident.
Because of the lack of electricity, one could clearly see the many firesides being lit and pots being cooked. That night families feasted on pepper pot, cook-up, curry and more. Excess meat was stored for later.
The next morning old Franklyn decided to cook his portion of the night’s bounty-the head. Because it was pitch dark the night before, he had not been able to do anything but store his share. Now it was broth time.
As he unwrapped the meat, he began to have a feeling of unease. Something was not right. After carefully examination he discovered that he had stored the head of a donkey. Franklyn threw his head back and roared with laughter. He would pay anything to see the faces of those who cooked and ate the night before.
He took his time before breaking the news. As he walked slowly from house to house, he could not resist the humour of the situation. Some people shut their door and began cussing. Others immediately started throwing out the food. A few just shut their eyes and ate anyway. Brenda was quite candid.
“De meat I buy at de butcher could be anything! Beef, horse, donkey or human!”
She thanked Franklyn and returned to her meal a knowing smile on her face.
Three weeks later train pass, train hit animal, but only two people run out; Franklyn and Brenda. It seemed that as soon as the train hit the animal villages heard the “Hee Haw! Hee Haw!” of a donkey and they kept their door locked. Franklyn and Brenda had beef for a month. Now whenever train passes nobody does mind.

(By Neil Primus)