“I ENJOYED watching and listening to the way the people in your hometown greeted you,” my friend Phillipa said to me as I was interacting with some of the students I taught in high school and some of the people I went to school with.  It was nice to see Emily Ramdass and give her a hug in this period of grief after her mom died. I am happy I heard her mom’s voice not long before she died. I have a way of reaching out to people when they are going through something.  I messaged Emily just to check up on her and she mentioned her mom was very ill and she was by her bedside. She told her mom that I was on the phone and her mom encouraged me to keep doing the good things I am doing and that the youths in Bartica need it.

I have a few empowering projects planned for Bartica, and it is not only for the youth or females because my contribution is to humanity, so males are included.  I saw Calmeth Younge Aka (Gubber) in the supermarket while visiting Emily and he commended me about the Women Empowerment project and lobbied for the guys so he will be happy to hear that they are included. Many people know about the Women Across Borders Anthologies but not the Men Across Borders. I had discussions with both former and current Regional Chairmen, Mr Bradford and Mr Williams regarding some of the things to add value the people. They both are excited and Mr Bradford reminded me of the many years on the Regatta committee picking up bottles early in the morning to get the place ready for another event.

We caught up again over the weekend for the launch of the Summer Regatta at Aruwai Resort. I was invited to showcase my resort collection. It was an awesome feeling because in Bartica, it all started 25 years ago. I met some young ladies who are interested in designing and Bartica will kick off the countrywide designers’ search to celebrate my 25 years.

Spending back to back weekends in my hometown was a blessing and it was difficult again to leave. I have been meeting so many adults now that were students and they were showing me pictures of their children and grandchildren and inviting me to meet them. We decided on a reunion for early next year with the students and I am anticipating a great time together.

I reminded Mr Bradford about the Bartons Steel Orchestra, of which he is the founder. I would love to see that pan yard resurrected because it will give young men and women options and will engage people in the community to work together because together, we can move mountains. The more options and empowering tools for their tool kits give them a chance at a better life.  Not everyone can be self-motivated and that is one of the reasons I admire Ryan Johnson, who is the owner of the Backyard Resort and one of my students. This young man shared his vision with us while we were on the retreat and we were impressed. I did zip lining in Tennessee and he has implemented a smaller version that we enjoyed. We did miniature golf in the rainforest, which was unique. We posted pictures and people are asking if all of these fantastic things are happening in Bartica. Backyard Resort is now on one of the day tours as a result of a video I posted.

We stayed at the Regional Guest house because we needed to be close to the river and being close to the boardwalk was a plus. Breakfast at Upper Level after our meditation was epic. That restaurant has the best steamed snapper and that was not only my opinion. The Sunset Boulevard Burger was also a hit. Tanni, over the years, has certainly done well not only with food but great ambience. Bartica and the environs have so much to contribute to the tourism sector, and I believe in the near future, more things will be added to make the package more attractive.

I intend to have the Living with Intention Retreat to different parts of Guyana, but it looks like a return to Bartica is in popular Demand. Last week, I shared some comments from the ladies who travelled to Bartica. Some of the ladies who live in Bartica shared how it impacted them.

“It’s been a while since I felt confident about myself but being with the ladies felt amazing and free. Interacting with amazing, grown, intelligent, confident ladies made me wish [that] we can do more. I am looking forward for more. It was a wonderful experience to be with you and I am looking forward to experiencing new places and new things. I am grateful.” Anesa

“Blissful moments are created when your mind, heart and soul are in tune with each other. Furthermore, when you can share these happy moments with the ones you love and moreso, a complete stranger. This retreat came as a breath of fresh air and left an abundance of happy memories and unexpected friendships, filled with laughter, hope and good humour.” Rena

When you try new things and you will find out you can do things you were scared of doing or worried about trying like zip lining. Nothing builds up your self-esteem like realising you can do it. Thanks to all the ladies that motivated each other and also gave the positive energy. Once again, thank you, Miss Sonia Noel and the others, for making it an amazing retreat.” Sophia

The reviews of people living there and visiting reminded me of how fortunate I am to call Bartica and Guyana my home. I challenge you to look at the words from our National Songs and ponder on them as we continue this beautiful journey called life beyond the RUNWAY.