ATTRACTED by the peaceful type of life, Murlin Deochan, after marriage, began farming and fishing with her husband. Fishing is their source of income as residents of Berri Bessibali, Essequibo River.

When they have widespread flooding on the farm as they do currently, she would engage in fishing to earn because it was also not a good time to rear chickens like they normally would.

The 45-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that the fish they catch would be sold at Parika, East Bank Essequibo, to wholesalers.

“I would make use of the daylight hours to fish in my own fishing boat, and it is not easy as a woman fishing, but I have to do it to put food on the table,” she said.

Deochan related that she alone left home that day because her husband was in the farm trying to salvage some crops due to the flooding.

She resides about five minutes away by boat.

Farmer/fisherwoman
Another resident, Pamela Chung, told the Pepperpot Magazine that since her husband died three years ago, it has been an uphill climb for her.

She relocated from Parika to Berri Bessibali Village and began the humble life as a farmer and later turned to fishing when farming was no longer viable for her, due to flooding.

Chung stated that fishing was a difficult task, and she could not do it alone, so she had to employ two workmen who would lend their expertise in fishing in the Essequibo River.

The mother of two would sell her catch at Hubu Koker.

The stay-at-home mom
Fazia Benjamin is a mother of two, originally from Moruca, Region One (Barima-Waini) but relocated to Berri Bessibali Village, Essequibo River, in December last year.

The 22-year-old added that she used to reside in Bonasika Creek but she left her village six years ago in search of a better life.

Her spouse is a farmer, and at times, she would assist her neighbours in household chores to earn.

“Since I am living here, the people have been nothing but good to me and I appreciate that because with good neighbours like these, I cannot go hungry,” she said.

Farmer/fisherman, Ramlakan Budnie
As a native of Berri Bessibali Village, Essequibo River, Ramlakan Budnie is accustomed to the tranquil life there even though nothing much happens there in terms of development.

The 49-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that when farming ceased due to flooding, he would fish and even that was difficult based on the scarcity of fishes.

He has in his employ one fisherman to assist on the fishing boat, which operates a ‘fly seine’ system to fish.

He disclosed that the drainage system needed to be upgraded to alleviate flooding in the farmlands.

Jagdeo Sookram, the farmer/fisherman
Jagdeo Sookram related that as a resident of Berri Bessibali Village, Essequibo River, the only form of livelihood is either farming or fishing.

The father of two stated that he resides with his mother and a sibling.

He would assist on the farm during the day, and at night he would go out to fish via the boat.

“Sometimes I don’t catch anything, but that is part of the job and the fuel consumption goes up and it is difficult because of the rising cost for fuel. But I am trying with all that is happening, high cost of living has a significant impact on us all especially riverine people,” he said.

Sookram added that they don’t have much, but with the little that is at hand, they make much but what is needed most is a secondary school and qualified teachers.

He reported that there were a lot of high school drop-outs due to the commute, which is costly.

Sookram is the youngest farmer in the village. At age 26, he is doing his utmost to give his children a good life.

He added that he chose to remain in the riverine community because he knows about that kind of a quiet life and he has no desire to relocate.

As a result, he is willing to face the hardships that may arise from time to time especially flooding in the farmlands and the high cost of living.