By Michel Outridge

AT FIRST glance, one would not conclude that this timid looking 58-year-old had been driving almost his entire life. I learnt that it was the only job he knew, and I soon found out that he was very good at it.I met Derrick Paul, fondly called ‘Uncle Derrick’ by his colleagues, at Carly’s Bus Service at Oronoque and Robb Streets in Georgetown. It was my first trip to Lethem by trail, and I was very hesitant when I was told that I had to overnight on the trail. But very early into the journey I felt a sense of relief, as conversation flowed easily between us.

He is soft spoken and accommodating, and it was a pleasure engaging in conversation with him and learning about his years blazing the Georgetown to Lethem trail -– a journey which takes more than 11 hours of driving.

‘Uncle Derrick’ sits comfortably behind the wheel of his route 94 minibus, and soon you realize that he is a very defensive driver, not given to daredevil stunts and heart-stopping manoeuvres. In addition, his bus is fully air-conditioned, making his passengers comfortable and the long trip bearable.

Sitting in a bus that is travelling for so many hours is not normal for most people, but a quick chat with Uncle Derrick can make you forget your concerns on a dark and bumpy trail which is also very dry and leaves a cloud of dust in its path. He told the Guyana Chronicle that he had been driving that particular trail since 1991, and for the past two years the trail was being kept in much better condition, making the journey a bit easier.

Along the trip, one would leave the bus service in the city as it gets dark and would arrive in Lethem the next day. There were adequate stops on the way, which gave passengers a little leisure time.

Derrick, who lives in the city, said he was very passionate about his job, and when he gets behind the wheel, he always ensures that his passengers are safe and comfortable.

He is probably the oldest among his 22 fellow bus drivers at Carly’s, which has been in existence for 10 years and operated by a Guyanese couple. He is originally from Essequibo, but considers himself to be a ‘city boy’ who would like to retire from driving in two years’ time.

He has many stories to tell, having travelled that route countless times, but what is most discerning is his easy-going persona and kindness. Like his colleagues, he is very hospitable and has grown to love his job.

Uncle Derrick told this publication that driving the trail is not about flamboyance, but safety in getting passengers safely to their destinations. He added that sometimes he would have to wait his turn to transport passengers, and would get work sometimes three times a month, depending on how much people were travelling.