By Michel Outridge 

THE Pepperpot Magazine recently visited Charity, Region Two (Pomeroon/Supenaam) and went on a walkabout and spoke to some regular people, who shared their views.
One of those persons, we talked to is Ray Benjamin, who is a resident of Charity Housing Scheme.

The father of two related that he is a security guard and a pump attendant attached to Alfonso’s Gas Station and other businesses within Charity, owned by the businessman.
“As you can see, Charity is a place of business, especially at the waterfront area, which is centred on the market, wharf and the stelling where the farmers come out to sell their produce and do their shopping to return to their respective villages within the Pomeroon River,” he said.

Benjamin reported that Charity is divided into four sections, namely: the squatting area, the extension scheme, the new extension scheme and Charity Amazon.
However, most economic activities take place on the waterfront, where there is the market day on Mondays, which is the busiest and it is much quieter on weekdays.
Although he is originally from the Pomeroon River, he left there and relocated to Charity many years ago in search of a better life and employment.

“Charity is faster than in the Pomeroon River. You get easy access to goods, services, electricity and in there we have to use a lot of fuel for generator and boat etc., and it is very costly in there so I came out to look for work and here I am,” he said.
Benjamin added that his job is easy because he does what he has to do and there is no room for stress in his life.

This young man told the Pepperpot Magazine that he noticed over the years the sea defence at the waterfront is sinking and it needs upgrading, because of the weight of laden trucks and other heavy-duty equipment that are parked there.
Benjamin stated that trucks are not supposed to park at the waterfront area but yet they do and coupled with the spring tide, the water is reaching land and the place is sinking rapidly.

He is “living home” and is quite comfortable with his life as a family man, even though he hasn’t tied the knot yet, but just might soon.

Benjamin related that the Alfonso Group of Companies has other businesses and they rotate duties at the mall, the RCA television station, the Oil Mill and the Ice Plant.
Meanwhile, the Pepperpot Magazine encountered Cyril Stoll, a beef vendor, who is from Grant New Port, Pomeroon River.

Stoll is working with a butcher and was about to start work, but went to sharpen his cutlass and was on his way back to the stall when he spoke to us.
He was, however, displeased about the happening at the waterfront where he like other vendors cannot sell.

“Several years now coming on to Christmas time I noticed that Alfonso does bring his big vehicles and park it on the waterfront and a lot of people can’t get access to the area to do their weekly business,” he said.

Despite this, however, the vendors try their best to make it as they continue to enjoy the other perks of living in the lively Charity village.