By Michel Outridge

SOMETIMES a good oasis is what some of us need to unwind and let nature relieve us of the unwanted burdens of everyday life and the ideal place to do just that is Kairuni Village.

There, Vincent Daniels has developed a lovely setting in his village to welcome anyone who needs to getaway even for a day to experience some relaxation in a hammock; adequate shade under some tibisiri benabs; a bar area and a sitting section with handmade chairs and tables.

It sits just a few minutes away from the coldest creek, a nice spot for a dip, in the village which is quite an attraction.

The 55-year-old is a surveyor by profession, but wears many hats because he is talented and can do many things which includes: promotion of culture in his community, a massage therapist, a herbal healer, a wood and gold prospector and a skilled craftsman.

Daniels would take it upon himself annually to organise and host the Amerindian Heritage celebrations, but due to COVID-19, a small ceremony was held to observe this year’s celebration.

It was held on Saturday last and local cuisine and beverages were on sale; a few villagers participated.

He is a resident of Kairuni Hilltop, an area he developed into a garden-like oasis that is so welcoming and has a very natural feel to it.

So much so, you will want to spend some time there without being interrupted by just looking at the many trees, plants and other natural things found in that environment
The place is very clean and tidy and is maintained by Daniels, whose house sits just down a hill.

The father of three told the Pepperpot Magazine that life there is nice, because he has a lot of open space, fresh air and it is not crowded, and he likes the peace and quiet as is.

As such, once you visit there he will not tolerate loud and offensive behaviour and you must clean up after yourself.

Daniels has taken the time to beautify the place with lovely hand-crafted chairs and tables carved out of trunks of trees and other handicraft he skilfully made.

These hand-made craft pieces serve as a natural décor for the outdoor setting, which complements nature.

In terms of being a herbal healer, Daniels disclosed that he used to reside with his sister, who was versed in that field and he learned a lot from her over the years.

She helped him to identify many plants and trees in the environment that has healing and health benefits.

Back then, they used to live along the bank of the Demerara River before they relocated to Kairuni Village to settle.

“Plants can heal you and you have to know which to use and how to use it,” he said.

Daniels reported that he spent nine years to beautify the place which can become a tourist spot and there is enough space to accommodate both locals and tourists.

“I have plans to spruce up the creek area and make it more welcoming, so when people come they will feel good about the environment and this place,” he said.

Even though he is not a very talkative person, he has a built-in friendliness to him that draws people to his retreat.

“All are welcome here and I plan to get registered with the Tourism and Hospitality Authority for this place to become a spot for visitors; it is as nice as you can see and I want others to experience it as well,” he said.

This hilltop spot is not widely known to many people, since a small trail which is practically hidden, just off the highway, leads to this place; once you get there you will be in awe.