Essequibo businessman reflects

By Indrawattie Natram

BY now, the name “Sunny” Lord is a household one in the Pomeroon-Supenaam region as families still remember the good works of the businessman. William Alexander Lord hails from Maria’s Lodge Village and is responsible for several significant contributions to Region Two. He was the first to establish a hotel, restaurant and bar in the Suddie area, and was also responsible for introducing gas from the Demerera Oxygen Company Ltd (DOCOL) in the region. He was also the first to establish the “Chicken in Ruffles” establishment, as well as, a taxi service in the agricultural region.

Although of his many ventures, only the Lord’s Hotel, Restaurant and Bar at Maria Lodge is still in existence, the businessman has many tales to tell on how he attained his business status. Born on November 13, 1921, he is the father of 13 children.
During an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine, the businessman related that he started from humble beginnings and over the years, has managed to take many risks which he is proud of. At the age of 97, he still remembers how he started off by trading and selling cows and bulls to farmers.

“In order for you to gain in a business, you need to start from somewhere. I remember I started off with a herd of cattle which I purchased for $5, 000,” Lord said.
From managing his cattle, he said he then ventured into the honey business which was very fruitful for him. From his first apiculture business, he reaped three drums of honey from which he said he earned a lot of profit. From the money he earned, he re-invested in purchasing tractors and trailers which he rented to farmers. This was in the late 60s and it was then that his business started to prosper.

“I was the only son for my mother. She struggled to upkeep me but even [when] I was attending school I used to think of ways to make money and I am glad I did. I was working for government and then I realised it was not paying so I quit,” Lord explained.

TURNING TO BUSINESS
When he first started working, Lord served for six years as an employee for the “Mosquito Control Services”, after which he served 20 years as an ambulance driver for the Suddie Public Hospital.
He recalled that in 1966 he sat down one day and reminisced on his achievements during his time as a public servant, and said that to his surprise he hadn’t gained much and then is when he decided to venture off on his own.

“Being self-employed pays more. You work at your own pace and you be your own boss- from owning cows to ploughs to a hotel and restaurant, I was a proud son for my mother, Leony Da Silva,” Lord recalled.

In 1966, Lord then decided to purchase gas from DOCOL to bring to Region Two. He started off with four bottles and then eventually the business grew. He said, he then heard that the estates were selling land at various places and he capitalised on the opportunity by purchasing some land on which he built and opened his hotel business in 1970.
In the 80s he opened a second branch in Anna Regina.

TRAVELS
Lord then journeyed to Venezuela, where he spent some time with his wife, Hilda Ferreira. He said that while there he would receive his profits from the hotels, which were being managed by a hired manager and he used the money to support his children’s education. Some of his children graduated in Venezuela. In 1996 he returned to Guyana. He said that during those days business prospered and allowed businessmen to reinvest in other sectors.

During his time, he had invested heavily in his children’s education and travelled to many countries. He remembered travelling to Canada, United States of America and England, where he has fond memories. Some of his children also opted to remain in England where they still reside.

PASSING ON THE LEGACY
Lord said that as time wore on and after several years in the business, old age began to creep up on him so he decided to gift his properties and businesses to his children. His business is now managed by his daughter, Maria Lord Lewis. He said he prefers to retire in his room where he spends time reading and reminiscing about his productive life.

“I sit quietly in my room and I remember things. I remember the good olden days. I am glad to live to 97, but I would have been glad if my wife was around. She died a few years ago, but my daughter, Maria, takes good care of me,” Lord said.

The businessman said he would like to advise those who have the intention of starting a business to continue with good faith, and advised that the profits may not be much at the beginning but it will surely prosper in the end.