RAMROOP Rampersaud is a farmer and is from Lanaballi, Essequibo River, who journeyed via boat to meet the team during our visit to Essequibo River.

The 60-year-old reported that he resides in the nearby village and inherited farming as a way of life from his parents, all natives of the riverine community.

Growing up, he learned a lot and as he matured, he also went into farming after acquiring some farmland.

He has a cultivation of sweet figs, yams, limes, and oranges,

Rampersaud describes his childhood as good because they had plenty to eat from the farm. Today, everything is expensive.

He related that one of their main concerns in the village is for a landing with steps because he has issues with his feet and cannot climb onto the landing to offload produce.

Rampersaud explained that normally they have to jump up to the landing with the engine for their boat, and it is difficult to do so when you are aged and have medical issues.

Rampersaud stated that small boats are moored, but the facility isn’t of the best and it needed upgrading.

He reported that farming was his living, but the recent rains had caused flooding on the farm and he was unsure what crops will survive.

The farmer is also calling for an upgrade in the drainage and irrigation system to minimise the effects of flooding.

“The best thing about living here is the land is fertile and one can earn from farming and live off the land as well as fish,” he said.

Rampersaud is originally from Bartica but grew up in Lanaballi, where he is residing to date.

He is of the view that farmers would produce more if a subsidy is granted in terms of fertiliser, chemicals and other farming supplies that are necessary for a good crop.

Harry Contracting Services

Meanwhile, Harry Chowtie of Harry Contracting Services is the man behind the renovation of Fort Island Health Centre, Essequibo River.

Apart from his small contracting service, he does a lot of behind-the-scenes charitable and volunteer work without wanting to be in the limelight.

As a simple man, Chowtie would assist those in need without question because he comes from humble beginnings.

Chowtie is originally from Wakenaam Island, Essequibo River but relocated to Blankenburg, West Coast Demerara.

The contractor grew up among a long line of farmers and is also a farmer at Hogg Island, also in the Essequibo River.

“As a small-time contractor, I am hoping to get some contracts so I will be able to provide employment for more people and showcase my expertise,” he said.

He reported that in 2014 he constructed a lot of bridges in several villages including, Uitvlugt, Belle West, Leonora, Den Amstel and also did the renovations to Aliki Primary School.

Recently he completed renovations at the Fort Island Health Centre, in which a shed with a waiting area was constructed as a new feature to the existing flat concrete building.

With the waiting area, it is more comfortable for patients.

The father of three told the Pepperpot Magazine that he had been in the contracting business since 2013, and despite bidding for contracts, he is unsuccessful getting actual contracts, especially the big ones.

He is of the hope that his luck will change and he can get some contracts to keep his small business alive and be able to employ some more persons.