By Michel Outridge

WHAT once used to be the perfect place for businesses has somewhat taken on a ghost-like appearance following the closure of the Rosignol Stelling, Rosignol, West Bank Demerara, after the Berbice River Bridge was opened. Some folk, however, have the staying power and are still conducting their businesses as per normal.

Despite the overwhelming challenges, Drupattie (only name given) has a food business nearest to the stelling and said she is trying to stay afloat.

The businesswoman added that her small business is still operational because she has the support of the fishermen, school children, bus and car drivers.

“We weren’t here when the stelling was functioning, we came after and we are trying to keep our doors open; we took over the business the same year the bridge opened,” she said.

Drupattie explained that because of how things are she can afford to employ only one person, who assists and they prepare all kinds of sandwiches which are big sellers among the school children; they also sell various other types of home-cooked foods.

The neat, clean and painted place is cosy inside with the softest chairs and has a welcoming feel to it; makes you want to spend every dollar there.

The food business is opened from 08:00hrs to 22:00hrs daily to accommodate fishermen who come in from sea.

“We does be a lil frighten because of how dismal this place does be, but we are here and we are hoping we remain safe and can keep our business open,” she said.

Another Stelling Road, Rosignol small business owner, Chaitnauth Raghubir, called “Vicky” told the Pepperpot Magazine that even though things are slow he is holding out; and being a barber, he is taking it one day at a time, hoping for better since he needs to earn.

“With a family to support, one has to work and a barber isn’t a very high-paying job, but here I am sticking it out,” he said.

The father of one reported that mostly fishermen and a few others are his clients.

Rosignol Fishermen’s Co-Op Society Ltd

The Pepperpot Magazine also spoke to a member of the Rosignol Fishermen’s Co-op Society Ltd., Alli Inshan.

He disclosed that the society has been in existence for some time and has a membership of 26, with more than 100 fishing boats registered.

He stated that they have about 70 active fishing boats with a crew of five on each boat and they fish all across Guyana within in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

“This fishing complex is outfitted with concrete stalls for fisher folks to sell their catch, even though most of it is wholesaled and bound for the city in trucks,” Inshan said.

This Berbician explained that to become a member there is a fee attached and the fishermen are managed by a rule book and if they do not comply they are fined for various infractions by the organisation.

Inshan pointed out that the Rosignol Fishermen Co-op Society Ltd, also sells fishing gear, they have a gas business and they are renting their ice house and money garnered goes to the general upkeep of the place and to pay salaries to the five security guards and two administrative staff.

“I am a boat owner and I have people working my fishing boat and right now with the weather is very windy and not a good time for fishing and fishermen endure a lot to make a living, because being out there in the Atlantic Ocean is no ‘walk in the park’ and there is always the fear of piracy,” he said.

At this time, he added that most boats are out fishing; with the approaching Christmas holidays everybody trying to accumulate cash to brighten the lives of their loved ones.

Inshan stated that the fishing business is very risky and it is not guaranteed they will get a good catch, but not everyone is cut out to work in offices so there we have fishermen, who risk their lives to make an honest living.

He added that the co-op, however, provides support to fisher folk in whatever way they can and their boats are secured by guards when they come in from the sea and during the time they spend at home.