THERE are many unsung heroes across the length and breadth of Guyana. They live simply- seemingly unaware of their contribution to society. This is the story of 89-year-old Borchel Clarke, whose first encounter with 12 nutmeg seedlings in 1965, has contributed to the resuscitation of the local spice industry decades later.

Clarke, originally from the coastland, ventured into Guyana’s hinterland in 1960 to earn a living as a carpenter. Like most men who travel to that part of the country, Clarke did not return to the hustle and bustle of city life. Instead, he settled in the small community of Hosororo, Region One- home to tall stretching trees, proud hills and fertile valleys. He later married a young woman from that community and eventually became father to eight children, four of whom are adopted.

By 1965, Clarke had become a seasoned hinterland man. He had learned the way of life. While being a skilled worker proved helpful, to earn a decent living he became involved in farming. As such, gaining knowledge about various crops was important. Through the agricultural Hill Station situated in Hosororo, a young Clarke accessed technical support and planting materials.

Clarke recalled that in those days the Hill Station was managed by a European and the foreman was a Grenadian. The foreman was knowledgeable about the various spices; after all, he came from the Spice Isle. It was during one of his visits that the foreman gave him 12 nutmeg seedlings oblivious to impact this simple act would have decades later. Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans, Family: Myristicaceae) is an evergreen tree producing two spices, namely nutmeg or the kernel and mace or aril, surrounding the kernel.

Those seedlings grew into bearing trees that still stand among the 35 nutmeg trees cultivated on half of an acre of Clarke’s five-acre farm. The lifespan of a nutmeg tree is approximately 70 to 80 years. And, in 2008 those elite trees allowed the farmer to play a major role in the resuscitation to the country’s spice industry by the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI). The institute was able to acquire nutmeg seedlings from Clarke.

In fact, in a brochure prepared by NAREI Clarke is recognised. “At present no improved varieties are available in Guyana. However, an elite tree is there with Mr. Borchel Clarke, 26, Hosororo, Region One, the scions of which may be used for producing grafts,” the brochure stated. Thanks to Clarke approximately 500 seedlings were distributed to farmers in Hosororo and neighbouring communities.

Today, about seven acres of land are under nutmeg cultivation in Region One. While many farmers are now starting their nutmeg farms, Clarke has somewhat retired from farming. Though, he is a vibrant elderly man, navigating down the slope to visit his farm is a challenge. His grandchildren currently maintain the farm comprising of nutmegs, fruits and vegetables. He sells his produce at the Kumaka Market.

Another farmer, Winifred Innis, who started planting nutmegs a few years before Clarke also, has a vibrant farm. A portion of Clarke’s and her harvests normally reach Georgetown. There is a demand for this spice. According to the Guyana’s Bureau of Statistics, on an annual basis about 10,000kg of nutmegs is imported.

Clarke is also known as the community politician. He keeps up-to-date with current events and even engages government officials during their visits to Hosororo. He believes that agriculture could contribute to the development of the region. However, to facilitate this, each community should be connected via road.