By Michel Outridge

IN the lovely village of Union, West Coast Berbice, Narine Ramlochan provides a service for villagers at his home.

Located on the public road, the spot is ideal for visitors, where he also has a grocery shop and his private service as a Justice of the Peace and Commissioner to Oaths and Affidavits.

Ramlochan said Union is his home and having retired as a school teacher and other jobs, he decided to establish his own business.

In addition, he rears livestock of sheep, goats, meat birds and layers (chickens).

This resident reported that he taught at Number Five, and Litchfield Secondary Schools; he also worked with the Mahaica/Mahaicony/Abary Land administration section for some time and was with the US Air Force Base in Antigua.

Ramlochan added that in 2017 he was appointed Justice of the Peace and life is quiet and comfortable in Union Village, a place of unity among its people of both Indo and Afro Guyanese and the growing population of people of mixed race, as well.

He disclosed that the village has seen its share of development in terms of having good drains and irrigation, asphalted roads and street lights.

Ramlochan stated that Union Village sits in a basin and was prone to flooding, but within recent times they have had none.

He related that a pump was installed to alleviate flooding; as such, crops remain intact and no losses were suffered by farmers.

“I am hoping with oil and gas it will stimulate growth in the economy and our country as a whole and ultimately, it will enhance the lives of our people too,” he said.

Ramlochan stated that Union Village is a nice place for farming, livestock-rearing and small businesses because they have the space and people get along with each other and overall there is no conflict or any burning issues affecting residents.

It was however noted that Union Village has many small businesses that seem to be thriving.

The community is also home to Justice of the Peace, Allison Bourne.