Meet Latchman the ‘Nut man’

By Indrawattie Natram

“COME get your fresh crunchy fried nuts!” were the words uttered by Aaron Latchman aka Morris of Lot 65 Pomona Housing Scheme. Latchman resides in the Pomeroon-Supenaam Region. He has been selling fried nuts for approximately four years and, according to him, he enjoys working for himself. He conducts his business with much love, pride and dignity.

The Pepperpot Magazine caught up with Latchman during a ferry trip one weekend. He was selling freshly fried nuts, honey roasted nuts and fried channa. On the side, he had fresh ‘awaras’- an orange coloured oily fruit. During an interview with Latchman, he said his day starts as early as 01:00hrs preparing the snacks.

“I does have to wake up very early to get my business in order. I have to fry the nuts, then season them, wait for it to cool off then package it,” Latchman said. For Latchman the nut business is a family one and he is happy that his son is following in his footsteps.

The elder said that he usually sells nuts in Essequibo and also at Parika, Essequibo Islands-West Demerara. His sales come mostly from passengers utilising the ferry services. He would board the first ferry at 05:00hrs then journey to the Parika Stelling where he will continue selling. When he is finished, he said whatever is left he would just sell to passengers on the evening ferry.

Like him, there were two other vendors who were also selling nuts. Latchman said that his business is supported by his wife who helps him fry and season the nuts and channa. The father of four said that he likes selling nuts but one day he hopes to own his own pet shop.

“I like animals, I am also known as the ‘parrot man’. I usually spend a lot of time in the bush where I catch the parrots. I love nature and whenever I am picking up fruits, I also look for parrots,” Latchman said.

When asked what are some of his challenges as a local entrepreneur, he said that sometimes sales are slow but he never gives up. He said that first when he started it was slow but as he increases his trips from Essequibo to Parika, more and more persons get to know him and would wait for him to purchase his nuts.

“I enjoy serving persons. It’s something I like to do. I usually go to Canada on vacation but I love Guyana and I love doing what I do,” Latchman said. He explained that Guyana is beautiful and Guyanese have a lot of options to choose from for business.

Latchman said that he was working with the Government before and the money was meagre for him to support his family. He is happy that he made the switch and he is now his own boss. He is encouraging entrepreneurs to start from little and eventually they will get there. The man said that life is full of challenges but one needs to overcome success with a positive mind and a positive outlook.