A MAN’S AGE does not always determine his ability and even as some young men allow themselves to be enveloped in laziness, complaining of lack of opportunities a 76-year old man is helping to green Guyana with the creation of a healthy farm around his home at New Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara.

Decked in shades of the sky and a folded ‘long boots,’ last Tuesday Laurie Greenidge walked Chronicle Pepperpot personnel through his kitchen garden which occupies his entire yard. Pests, popularly known as ‘scratching worms,’ hid themselves while feeding on greener shades of a soursop tree.
A steady portion of soapy water loosens the pests’ hold but stubborn ones are destroyed with a poisonous drug he purchases from Caribbean Chemicals in Georgetown.
One could assume that blue is among his favourite colors as the green estate provides a perfect nest for the little blue house in which he lives with a partner along a circular drive in 19th Avenue.

He was more active in the field of music in his younger days but was motivated by the benefits of farming and reaping bountifully as he continued to sow seeds into the ground.
Few persons at his stage of life would be strong enough to maintain a healthy garden of several crops of cassava, plantain, banana, coconut, various seasonings and fruits such as soursop, passion fruit, gooseberry and others.
But with all that is going for him, Greenidge says he reaps the crops to share with friends and senior citizens.”

“There are a few times that people come and steal from me and they take that kind of advantage but that don’t really discourage me.”
He explained that there is a joy in tilling the ground that would keep him going and confessed that his farming days would never be over as long as he has strength.

“I find joy out of it. And these days when people are being encouraged to do the same and to supplement their income, I too find courage in the government’s call. He can no longer weed the yard by himself and pays $4,000 monthly to clear the grass. Sometimes the grass-cutters create a breach in the pipeline in his yard while at other times they may cut down a good tamarind tree or so.

He explained that his vision was not as strong as before but despite such odds, he said giving up was no option as he is a glutton for activity. “This keeps me active,” Greenidge said, even as Pepperpot observed him moving slowly among the green banana leaves.
It was William Shakespeare who said, “If music be the food of love, play on. Give me excess of it; that surfeiting, the appetite may sicken, and so die.”
For Greenidge farming has become a lifestyle but music will always be his food of love and he will surely play on.

Decades ago, in his younger days he produced music, creating lyrics with his late wife. Now that Guyana is preparing to launch out into the production of oil, he recalls a song which he wrote and sang in the quiet of his home.
“Hills and valleys will form, we reap the nation’s food each day, and rivers with our minerals. We look for treasures on our way.”

Greenidge voiced his pleasure at being alive to see his country getting ready to find treasured oil, the mineral with more potential than gold and diamond which presents expectations of massive economic boost.
“It was done many years ago and I think this day is what we see,” he said with a perky grin.
Another line in the same song reads, “Peace and prosperity each day, to this land so great and free.”

Greenidge on this note said peace and prosperity can be found in the talents one enjoys demonstrating.
Farming brings him much peace, but not as much as he receives in chanting the words of his composed song; “Land of hope and pride”.
Even as he ages, and the art of playing the piano seems to exact much effort he still keeps his gift alive and occasionally works additionally as a Piano tuner.

“Well, I am a pensioner, and being I play the piano, I sometimes would play for church. I don’t do much piano work now. But I enjoy the garden thing and I like it. I got arthritis but this kind of exercise helps.”
With the prices of corilla and ochro set at $260 per pound, he is able to use more of his pension on other needs.

His advice to younger men is that “they should get involved (in farming), other than stealing.” But he also pointed out that getting young people involved in (National Service) again would be good and we would be able to cut down on unemployment.