ABOUT 23 years ago, David Adams was a simple man who came to Mahdia to work in the mining industry while Margaret Nieuenkerk made her living by working in her sister’s bar. Neither one of them knew that in time their partnership and determination would create a booming business in Guyana’s newest town.

Businessman and newly-elected Mayor of Mahdia, David Adams shared that he came to Mahdia in 1996. It was his intention to eke out a living in the mining region, but according to him, he soon realised that there was a need for a restaurant in the community.

“I, fortunately, met Margaret, who was working with somebody at the time in a bar, and I encouraged her then to start making plantain chips and so for the customers and it catch on,” Adams recalled. “Then I told her to put a stand on the roadside and see how it goes- and that also caught on.”

Margaret shared that since their initial encounter, she realised that Adams had the eye for business and she, too, recognised that this was a niche market that she could get into. And the partnership between the two was irrevocably forged.

“I decided to start this because I was a mother who fathered my kids at the time and to get a little more money,” she shared also.

In a few short years, the business had become way too small to cater for the demand and the growing Mahdia population, and so the duo started to save rigorously so that they could invest in expanding the business.

From her little roadside stand, Margaret explained that she started ‘throwing box hand’ and she and Adams began working together and would set aside some of their profits each night.

With this slowly growing capital, they began making incremental improvements to their business.

“With the little that we put aside and with my encouragement again, we bought a stand in this present location,” Adams explained. “Over time we started selling drinks and food, and the business grew and it has grown to what you see it here today in 2019.”

For Margaret, in 2002 when they bought the plot of land on which the business is currently situated, there was no turning back. “We’ve built an enterprise,” she posited.

Nowadays, the business has evolved into a restaurant, replete with two dining areas; a bar and a gaming outlet for persons interested in trying out their luck- casino style. The business also employs 14 persons from the community.

“No matter where people come from, they’re attracted to quality service and that’s what we try to do here,” Adams explained.

He further highlighted: “You might hear around Mahdia that business is slow and so, but for me, the results of the business venture is how much you put into it.”

And for Margaret, the support within the community is one which keeps the business going even at times when it might seem like commercial activity is dwindling. She has made her life in the quiet community and doesn’t even fancy going to Georgetown, where she has a home. In fact, she said that she would only routinely visit Georgetown in August and December to see her family. Aside from that, Adams is the one who would make the frequent commute to get supplies for the business.