THE first time I visited the Rupununi was over a decade ago for Rodeo and I fell in love. The breathtaking view of the Kanuku mountains was mesmerising, or maybe it was more hypnotising. I seriously wanted to forget about the world and create my own-forget the fashion industry, my travels etc and buy a ranch, find a cowboy and learn to ride horses.  I can remember what it feels like to have water from the Kumu Falls massaging my body. The magnificent tree-shaded waterfall descends from the mountaintops of the majestic Kanuku Mountains and flows down a gradient of about three miles into the Kumu River. The falls are about 30 minutes from Lethem. I have a pic looking at the Kanuku (in collage)  and visualisation of my future. Last year and earlier this year, I visited Iwokrama and briefly visited the Rupununi. I invested one week in Regions Eight and Nine and I am further convinced that very soon I will be living in an environment where I am surrounded by nature. I had a chance to meet some of the young ladies that were part of the virtual Confidence Becomes You. Lethem Town Clerk, Keisha Vincent, Counsellor Megan Thomas and I had a very productive meeting discussing the way for the personal development programme during the pandemic. I was in the hammock on the balcony of the Puma Cabin and a thought crossed my mind. This place provides that environment that allows my mind to depths beyond my imagination. I interacted with the Toshao Micha Davis from Toco village and my excitement grew just in listening to him talking about his vision for the village. I enjoyed watching his sister and mom peeling cassava effortlessly to make cassava bread. I learnt to master the art of making the Tuma Pot, which is the correct pot to cook tuma, which is my favourite indigenous dish. He also was my instructor  (in collage) on how to use the arrow and bow.   I certainly will be going back when they are launching their tourism projects.

My desire is to visit all the villages and will take them a few at a time. Surama village activates my creative juices and maybe it is because many artworks from the talented villagers are visible on buildings.  I believe all these villages possess talent in abundance and would love the see the work showcased on many platforms. Indigenous designers Vanda Allicock and Marcelle Allicock, who showcased at Guyana Fashion Week, are from that village.  Sitting with Collin Jarvis admiring the mountain ranges while drinking lemongrass tea or taking a pic at sunset in front of an original indigenous kitchen  (both in collage)  are priceless moments. I also created some invaluable moments at Rockview Lodge in Annai.

Last year I fell asleep in minutes in the hammock under the tree and it was the most amazing brief sleep ever. It is always a pleasure to chat with the legend Colin Edwards who is featured in the collage.  He is one of the pioneers in creating eco-tourism in the Rupununi. He saw the vision years ago when many could not understand what he was doing. I did not fall asleep this time but had delicious cookies and tea with him, his beautiful wife Alyssa and  Robert, who was a guest there. I met Robert a few days before at Iwokrama and I  enjoyed hearing his intriguing stories from travelling around the world. The trip to Guyana now put his count to 141 countries he has visited and he said the pandemic slowed him down.  He talked about how rough the road travelling to the Rupununi was (he flew back) but the beauty that awaits you makes up for the discomfort. He had a blast!

The road reminds me of the rough patches in life we all go and grow through, but they can help us to find our purpose. Colin also has so many stories and he needs to write a book soon because the content will be inspiring and compelling. I can see myself writing one of my books on the big rock surrounded by trees. I am also looking forward to my friend Raquel’s first book.
We are always discussing what we can continue to do to empower the youth. We are celebrating Amerindian (Indigenous) Heritage Month and we decided that a tie-dye session can be beneficial.

This was the highlight of my trip and seeing the reactions from the young ladies was worth the rough road travelling here, lol  is meeting some of my favourite young people from Fairview Heritage Month,
Dr. Raquel Thomas, who is a director at Iwokramma said,  “Iwokrama collaborated with the Sonia Noel Foundation to engage the young women in a tie-dye workshop.   The premise of this idea is about sustainability.  Clothes waste is becoming a major polluter globally, but yet many clothes that are thrown out are functionally good to wear. Revitalising clothes can be done by using techniques such as tie-dying.”

Surita Marslowe is a young lady who has the potential to be a phenomenal leader in her community and she expressed how she started the programme. “This session was helpful because it is great learning different stuff. Learning to dye and recycle clothing was not only fun, but it was also meaningful. It is useful for these young women to do something useful for their communities. We also saw the possibility of a viable business.  where we can help or make a little business.”

The Rupununi convinced me again that nature is the best medicine and I encourage you to explore  as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called life.