Leandrie Richards called “Boom Bread” is the face behind his family business, Triple L Bakery in Linden, established by himself and two sisters 21 years ago. He goes around the community in a minibus he converted into a food van selling bread, pastries, snacks and food daily.
Richards was neatly dressed in his apron and he seemed very happy at what he was doing, he had parked at the side of the road in Canvas City, Wismar, Linden and was selling egg ball, pholurie, channa, puri and curry, local fruit juices, cook-up-rice and fried chicken.
He explained that the minibus vending is just a part of the business since they are also caterers, sell pastries and bread daily at Amelia’s Ward Bus Park in McKenzie and they do daily bread and pastrY distribution in Linden.
Richards added that, on different days, they prepare various foods and the prices are very affordable and it is also very tasty and wholesome.
Triple L Bakery has in its employment 14 workers and Richards and his sisters, Lyndana and Latoya collectively manage the business.
The bakery is located at 28 Half Mile, Wismar, Linden but Richards and his employees are out on the road doing sales and distribution daily to market the products to keep the business afloat.
Armed with good music, a pleasant, easy-going personality and a humble attitude Richards goes about his business relatively easy and he seems to love what he does to make an honest living.
Block-making
Quacy Richmond is a block-maker and a cash crop farmer, who also has some creole fowls and would employ two persons whenever he can.
The father of two reported that he makes both four and six-inch cement blocks based on orders and also have them in stock for buyers.
He invested in a block-making mould three months ago and is seeing the returns slowly due to the stagnant economic state in that region.
The 37-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that life is good once there is work and to survive in Linden, you have to do more than one job.
“I feel empowered having my own small business because jobs are hard to get and being a farmer alone cannot sustain my home and family,” he said.
Richmond is very generous with the little he has and would seek out the young men in the village and employ them and teach them the trade of block-making free of charge so they can be equipped with a life skill to earn.
The vendor
Monica Holligan is self-employed and has a roadside stall where she sells ground provision, vegetables and fruits.
The 56-year-old stated that she has been a resident of Canvas City for the past 35 years and where she resides doesn’t have a road, just a sand trail, so getting in and out with her produce to sell is a tall task.
She is still re-building her house which was totally destroyed by fire in 2019 and is living a day at a time despite many challenges.
Holligan stated that to get building materials to her home is not easy and vehicles do not want to go there because there is no road and one is needed.
She started the roadside vending a few months ago but is hanging in despite the small business being slow.
Shop owner
Down the road, is the home and small shop of Sherry Sobers and her extended family.
The 50-year-old has a grocery shop which she started three years ago and the village people would make purchases.
Sobers is a very friendly woman, who has been in Canvas City for the past 50 years, a local, who will remain in the village.
The mother of three says she is very comfortable and the neighbourhood is very safe and is a good place to live.
Sandra Trotman
Sandra Trotman resides in another section of Canvas City Village and is well-known. She is the Treasurer of God’s Revival Ministry Church in the community and has a small shop.
The mother of two serves as the village leader and has been in the community for more than 20 years.
She is originally from Silvertown, a neighbouring village.
Trotman describes life in Canvas City Village as good because the people are nice and it is a very safe place to reside.
“The people cooperate and do things to enhance the village and everybody looks out for one another and if you call out for help the entire village would come out,” she said.
Trotman has a blossoming kitchen garden and does all her household chores including, cooking.
