AS a resident of a riverine community, Avinash Lalchan reminisced on the good life he had growing up when it was care-free, and he did not have to worry about anything.

Today, it is quite different. A lot of hardships, coupled with rising fuel prices and the high cost of living, have become too much for him.

The 36-year-old pointed out that he is a farmer and fisherman.

He added that he produced sweet fig bananas, ginger, yam and plantains and whenever he has a harvest he would go to Hubu Koker to sell his produce and his catch of fish.

Lalchan used to rear layer chickens, but he lost all due to sickness and he decided not to rear chickens anymore, having suffered a huge loss.

The father of three noted that he has 15 acres of farmlands in the back lands section of Berri Bessibali Village, Essequibo River, and such was only accessible by boat.

Lalchan added that, despite the challenges they face, it was a beautiful place to reside and they ate fresh, ‘farm to table’ concept, but they had to work hard to earn.

“I had to drop out of school at the primary level because of poverty and that is the plight of a lot of children in the village and other riverine communities,” he said.

He stated that life in Berri Bessibali Village, Essequibo River was boring but safe and it was a simple way of life.

Lalchan reported that they have three small shops in the village, but they would buy bulk items from Parika, a central hub of businesses.

He pointed out that, as a self-employed person, there was hardly a day off, but when he has some spare time, there is nothing much to do in terms of activities and he would stay at home and watch movies to pass the time.

Deochand Ramchand
Meanwhile, Deochand Ramchand is also a farmer and fisherman of Berri Bessibali Village, and he is leading a very simple life of farming to earn.

The 48-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that he was utilising some leased land to farm and his main crops were citrus and bananas.

The father of two explained that farming isn’t always profitable due to the flooding so he was forced to do another job which was fishing.

Ramchand reported that, during the day, he works at his farm. At night, he would venture out via his boat to fish in the Essequibo River, just to have a comfortable life for himself and his family.

As the owner of fishing boats, he explained that he doesn’t always have a good catch, but he would contend with what was there.

Leonard Gopaul
Leonard Gopaul is a farmer and labourer. As a young father of one, he said his life would be significantly enhanced if he had a boat and engine.

The 21-year-old related that when his farm was not harvesting he would work with other farmers in the village to earn.

He has five acres of citrus and plantains and was affected by flooding.

Gopaul stated that he is a native of Bonasika Creek, a tributary of the Essequibo River and relocated to Berri Bessibali Village to reside with his sister, for a better life, 14 years ago.

Due to poverty, he told the Pepperpot Magazine that he only went one term to Nursery School and was unable to attend primary and secondary schools.

“Without education I am unable to do office jobs and those jobs that require book knowledge, so I had to resort to farming and I am trying with it because I want a better life for my child as a parent,” he said.

Gopaul explained that he did not want his child to have the same difficulties he had a as a child and he will work to ensure she attends school and become academically equipped.

Today, he is a married father of one who is doing his best to earn and he gets the support of his neighbours to do many things.

Gopaul stated that life in Berri Bessibali Village, Essequibo River is quiet and what is considered boring for others but it is a kind of life he is familiar with.