FROM a humble life in Region One, Mabaruma, North West District and from a large family of eight siblings, from paddling to school and farming today, Pretty Debideen has upgraded her life as the Community Health Worker, a registered nurse at Fort Island, Essequibo River.

Debideen grew up in the Aruka River and came to Fort Island to assist her mother, who was the Medex there. She often volunteered in her free time and became drawn to the profession.

At that time one of her siblings, a sister, was living on the island and at a young age began reaching out to people, assisting them in whatever way she could.

It was then she realised she could do so much for people by becoming a nurse and she was propelled into achieving her dreams when her mother passed away in 2007.

She used to catch fish and do all kinds of things to earn as a single mother of six. She became qualified as a nurse and it was then her life began changing for the better.

“I knew I had to challenge myself to follow in my mom’s footsteps because I saw how she helped people and I wanted to do the same. Serving the community is a great responsibility,” she said.

Debideen told the Pepperpot Magazine that education paved a way for her and with that in hand, she managed to provide for her children.

It was in 2012 that she took up the position of Community Health Worker for Fort Island and the neighbouring islands.

Debideen added that she has crafted herself as a role model and over the years, she has achieved a lot as a community leader and volunteer who is qualified as a beautician.

Speaking in terms of development on the island, she related that they have seen a lot of progress in which the sea defence was upgraded and they have a new ferry stelling.

As a tourist island, she added that they have some historical sites that draw people and the regional administration has been lending support in terms of healthcare.

Debideen explained that with the new stelling the locals can once again earn by making boiled corn and have hot cow’s milk to sell early in the morning when the steamer arrives as obtained years ago.

She added that Fort Island has potential and with newer development things can be the way it was years ago, as one of the fastest marketing points.

Debideen pointed out that there is a need for a playground on the island for the children to visit and engage in recreational activities and sports.

She added that the island has a lot of children, and the youths can also benefit.

Debideen recently benefitted from beautician courses through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) and she in turn taught 15 students in nail, hair and cosmetics applications.

The youths came from the island and its environs and it was geared towards empowering them to establish their own small businesses to earn right from their homes.

She has a small beauty salon at her home and it is a part-time venture.

Debideen is also a volunteer with a group and she functions as a counsellor, who represents the people by highlighting their difficulties, being their voices and getting them the help they need.

She does home visits and has delivered 20 babies in emergency cases where the mothers could not reach a hospital, but it is advisable to get to the nearest hospital since home deliveries are not encouraged by the Ministry of Health.

Debideen added that Fort Island is going places because they have started a Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) group on the island and they have been engaged in meaningful activities, that is, the youths.

“We don’t feel left out here because we have the support of the administration and the region. Even though development has been slow, it is still happening to improve the lives of the people on the island,” she said.

Debideen noted that she is thankful for the management of Sky Net, which was instrumental in installing an Information Technology (ICT) hub on the island for both schoolchildren and locals.