One mother’s determination to contribute to her home

BEENA Seenarine, also known as ‘Mala’ to her friends and family, is the mother of three children. She currently is the owner of a small snacks business at her residence and her snack stand is well known in the community of Enterprise. Her snacks are so good, she would even receive special orders and requests to cater for larger portions of snacks for Guyanese who live abroad. She expressed that she has five siblings, so her family was relatively big.

Her parents; Alvin Seenarine and Deopattie Somwaru, both worked hard on the sugar estate to maintain their household. Even though her parents couldn’t afford much, they both taught her the importance of caring for your family as she was growing up. As a child, she always wanted to mirror that mindset when she had her own family—so she did. Her father also taught her to cook and clean and that’s how she developed her snack-making skills.

She got married at the age of 19 to her husband Rajendra Sheoprashad (Dara). Together, they worked through all of life’s ups and downs. At the age of 21, Beena got pregnant with her first child Samantha, then three years later, Amanda and then finally her son, Alex, whom she described as the sweetheart of the family. Beena also mothered one of her sister’s daughters — Cynthia– since she was a toddler. “We stick together and work through for our children,” said Beena. She continued by saying, “Being a parent isn’t the easiest thing when reality hits you. We ensure we instill good values into our children, ensure the homework is done on time and make sure they have the opportunity to further their education. I didn’t have that opportunity, because in those days my parents couldn’t afford it. My eldest daughter finished her university education- is working on her business; my second child is a stay-at-home mom and my son just started his business and I am proud of all of them.”

She was a vendor at the Enterprise Primary School for about 15 years. She makes some of the most craved- for and delicious local Guyanese goodies: plantain chips, chicken foot and sour, cassava chips, phoulourie and sugarcake. She built quite a good reputation, not only for her snacks, but also for her good personality. Due to the pandemic, she was forced to continue her business on a smaller scale at home. Nonetheless, people would still call home to get their order from Beena. This business has helped her to take care of the three children she has and her entire family. Her business allowed all three of her children and Cynthia to complete their schooling, while ensuring that the livelihood of her entire family is sustained. It even helped her eldest daughter to pursue her academic studies at the University of Guyana. Even though her husband worked, Beena was persistent to also work to help the family. This ambition of hers helped her children to excel throughout life as they are all respected members of their community.

Beena stressed that scheduling was one of her biggest challenges, being a mother, when her children were younger. She had to ensure that breakfast, lunch and dinner were ready on time every day. She took care of the house and surroundings to ensure that it was always neat and tidy. She had to balance life with her children, while completing tasks around the house. She explained how finances were a challenge. “Making sure our money is always budgeted for the best interest in my family was a challenge. I also worked on the farm when my children were going to school. My husband did Goldsmith work but eventually stopped so we did farming. Then I started my own business and because of this, I hardly had time for myself. I made many sacrifices as a woman for my children to keep our family together, which wasn’t the easiest of things.”

These days, you will find Beena at home relaxing, learning about new technology every day, or listening to “baby shark” and surfing through app features with her grandchildren, Alvin and Aliyah Nankishore. “They are the light of our home. I enjoy taking care of them and listening to all their intelligent chatters,” said Beena. The Pepperpot Magazine asked Beena to explain what motherhood was like. She responded by saying, “Being a mother is a full-time job. You could feel a whole range of emotions – from complete exhaustion to total satisfaction, knowing your children are well and groomed. As a mother my ultimate goal was to ensure my children have better than I did and see that they grow up to become good people.”

Beena wants every mother who reads her story to remember to be someone good and learn as much as you can. These virtues not only helped her in motherhood, but also helped her throughout life. She also wants to encourage others to help people along the way and to never forget where you come from. Beena ended the interview by advising young women, “Take your time, develop yourself, understand relationships before you get into one and never settle for less. Learn a skill and learn to make your own money.”