From virtually nothing to something
Janice Carmichael with her unpublished book of poetry called "Real Talk”
Janice Carmichael with her unpublished book of poetry called "Real Talk”

— Janice Carmichael overcomes battles of single parenting, poor choices in life

GROWING up in an abusive environment and having to deal with hardship and rejection would have probably pushed most persons into becoming rebellious and delinquent citizens, but not Janice Carmichael.

Born at Fern Village, East Bank Berbice, Carmichael who is now a cop, from early in her childhood was determined to overcome the odds and create a better future for herself and the family she intended to raise.
For Carmichael, life has thrown some ‘big stones’ at her and it used to seem a dead end, a closed door, wherever she went.
But when she finally got the needed breakthrough she moved from a plastic-covered house to a concrete building.

Janice Carmichael, a certified Social Worker

Having lost her father at age five, she was forced to go to the backlands with her mother and other siblings to cultivate their farm. Despite the hardships, she managed to be successful at the then Common Entrance Examination, gaining 721 marks which afforded her a place at the New Amsterdam Multilateral School.
But transportation to school was a challenge and as a result she was forced to stay with relatives where there were good and bad experiences. Thereafter, she attended the now-defunct Victoria Commercial School before returning home and taking up a job as a teacher at Fern Primary School. However, shortly afterwards the doors of the school were closed due to a low student population.

Not able to find work, although several applications were sent to various agencies, Carmichael entered a relationship which resulted in the birth of two children.
Not long after the birth of her second child, she became a single parent.

At this stage her siblings turned against her, believing that she had made poor choices. As a result, she was forced to seek shelter at Koortbraat Village, another East Bank Berbice area where she erected her first home consisting of ‘salt bag’ (polythene) and plastic bags. While living in the shack, she got to know several persons closely; these relationships produced four more children.
Life’s journey became burdensome and thoughts of suicide and murder plagued her mind. Having multiple partners brought several accusations, scandals and fights. She had to get out from this downward spiral and free herself from the invisible chains that seemed to bind her.

ODD JOBS

“There is dignity in labour. No work is degrading. As long as you can use your hands in an honest way, you can make it,” she said with a smile, while seated at her home at the Glasgow New Housing Scheme, East Bank Berbice.

Janice Carmichael is stationed at the Sisters Village Police Station

“With six children I had to venture out. I did odd jobs. I burst bricks. Cleaned homes. Farmed. Climbed coconut trees to get the branches to make brooms. Worked at chicken farms. When persons have birthdays, I would bake the cake and would get whatever else was shared… I was exploited as many did not pay, while others paid very little. I tried as I believed that little was better than none. At night, I would catch fish and boil it with basil…. In an attempt to have a better life, I ventured to various security services but the supervisors always approached sexually. I did an interview at Prison’s, Special Constabulary… it was the same. I decided not to sell myself. I lived at Koortbraat for 12 years without a job,” the mother related.

After being rejected by her family for many years, it was surprising when an overseas-based brother asked, “What do you want me to do for you,” and she told him: “I need somewhere comfortable to live.”

Soon after, with her brother’s help, a one-bedroom house was erected and it was extended to accommodate another room.
“My children did not get to attend school regularly, but they succeeded at the CSEC exams and are employed. One is married and another will tie the knot shortly. In 2006, I became a Rural Constable. And the following year became a member of the Neighbourhood Policing Group and is stationed at Sisters Police Station in Region Six. I am a certified Social Worker and I use my skill to help fellow women. What I went through is not degrading. It was an experience,” Carmichael related, tilting her head with a smile.

She was quick to recall and pass on the advice of a friend, Shirley Adams, of Bermine Housing Scheme, who told her: “Always make a mark on every salary. In other words when you get your pay, buy something which can be of a benefit on a long-term.”
Carmichael also has a passion for poetry-writing and recites her poems at various functions, be it seminars, anniversaries or funerals. She has compiled several poems but due to the publisher’s cost, she is unable to get them published.
Her favourite poem in her compilation is “Real talk”, which is a summary of her life.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All our printed editions are available online
emblem3
Subscribe to the Guyana Chronicle.
Sign up to receive news and updates.
We respect your privacy.