WITH the opportunity of a lifetime and a soft loan of G$5,000 back in 1989, Poonai’s Pharmacy has become well known in the East Berbice Corentyne and is testimony that hard work and commitment can make you a success.

Poonai Bhigroog, known to all and sundry as ‘Mr. Poonai’ and ‘Uncle Poonai’, took over what was known as Deonarine’s Drug Store at the western end of Rose Hall Town after the proprietor, Dr. Deonarine, decided to migrate.

Being relatives of his, Dr. Deonarine had asked the Bhigroog’s if they wanted to take over the small business. And, seizing the opportunity, the family decided to invest in the business, but they first had to borrow the money, since they couldn’t do it on a teacher’s income, and run a home with four children all at the same time.
After some deliberation, it was decided to put the business in the hands of Poonai, their only son, who was just out of high school.

So, with the huge responsibility of the family’s investment on his shoulders, young Poonai took the bull by the horns and ran the business at that location for a few years, while at the same time continuing his studies in pharmacy and veterinary science.

With youth and vision on his side, Poonai, now 46, not only spearheaded the move of the pharmacy to what was previously Christy’s Cake Shop next to the Rosehall Primary School, but also oversaw its expansion, stocking up on more items since the new location was a bit more spacious than the previous one.

Having established a reputable name for himself in six short years at the new location that was being rented, the family was on the lookout for a good spot to purchase. And when the Hussains placed their Lot 72A property in the centre of the town up for sale, the Bhigroogs wasted no time in closing the deal.

THE ‘GO-TO’ PLACE
The rest, as they say, is now history, as the business had not only grown to become the “go-to” place for all pharmaceutical supplies and animal health care products in Berbice, but also cemented a permanent place in Rose Hall Town, since the owner has no future intention of expanding elsewhere.

The business that started off with just Poonai alone now has Misheal, his wife and mother of their two children — Hemesh, nine, and Mia, five — alongside him, and from time to time his mother and father working with their staff of 12.
Many agree that the success behind the
business is the personal touch that many businesses that expand lack due to the owners being away from the day-to-day operation. But for this family, they won’t trade that for anything.
“Either myself or wife is here at all times to oversee the operations of the business, since we believe that is critical to our success,” Poonai said, adding:
“While we have a good staff, they, too, need guidance and leadership to function smoothly. People want to talk to the owner, and we love it, because we build relationships that last a lifetime.”

The business stocks a wide variety of over- the-counter (OTC) medication, and caters for prescription medication as well. They also carry a wide range of cosmetics and other items.
One of the sections that grew when the
business moved to its current location is the veterinary section, which caters to the animal lover’s every need, from pets, to accessories and medication. They also offer a veterinarian-on-call service, and word is that many leave other regions and even nearby Suriname to pick up their supplies at Poonai’s.

As part of its giving back to society, the pharmacy, besides offering free testing of pressure and diabetes to the eldery, also makes numerous donations towards education and other projects for the benefit of the less fortunate.

HEART OF GOLD
A man who lives by the philosophy, ‘Action thy duty; reward is not the concern’, “Uncle Poonai” is said to have a heart of gold, as many testify to his generosity and his disposition; the words humble and down-to-earth do not do much justice to the man who is always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, or give a listening ear to anyone who has a problem.

Which is why, despite being busy with his business, “Uncle Poonai” has served on several boards, such as the Central Corentyne Chamber of Commerce; the Berbice Health Authority; the Guyana Horse Racing Authority; and the Bal Nivas
Shelter for Children and Women.
He feels he has an obligation to give back to the community and do his part to make his town and country a better place, and is calling on all to put aside political differences and work towards the betterment of the township as well as country.

Said he: “Rosehall has grown, and will continue to grow, but there is still more that needs to be done.
“And the business community, with the town council, will have to establish a better working relationship to make that possible, because if we the ones who have the resources cannot help those who need, then who will.”

While the business has expanded and is doing great, the move to set up another location is not on the cards for the near future.
Poonai explained that while he may like to venture to different areas to ply his trade, the lack of technical and committed staff is preventing him from making the move.
But for now, he is pleased with the level of support he has been receiving in Rose Hall, and is a firm believer that despite being the smallest town, it is the best in the country.