RUDOLPH Lewis is a gifted man with many talents who multi-tasks with great ease and making craft from scratch is a joy for him since being inspired by his spouse.

The 74-year-old is a resident of Mainstay/Whyaka Village, Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) and is preparing for the much anticipated National Heritage Village Day on September 10, where the community will be transformed to host the event.

Lewis told the Pepperpot Magazine that the first ever piece he made was from coconut shell. It was a pair of earrings for his wife, Waveney Lewis, as a gift.

He explained that she liked it, and she began encouraging him to broaden his skills by making more craft pieces.

Lewis stated that he never knew he had the talent within him and was even surprised that he could make almost any craft from simple things found in his yard.

The village elder added that after he retired from working in the interior as a heavy-duty equipment operator, he had the time to do simple things such as making craft which became a hobby for him.

Today, the people cannot get enough of his craft and would bombard him to fulfil orders made and he is trying to get some craft completed for Culture Day where his products will be showcased and also be on sale.

The father of 10 noted that he would use kokerite, coconut shell, kuru, bamboo, beads and various species of woods to make earrings, chains, bands, coat hangers and other things.

When the team visited, Lewis had set up a table to display some of the craft he had on hand, some simple but good pieces, including Guyana map pendants, beaded chains, earrings and hand bands. He even used some pearls which he brought from overseas to make a lovely pair of earrings.

“After making craft for the first time, I began making more and as I gained a bit of experience, I became skilful and I used that, coupled with my creative side, to create interesting pieces that would appeal to people so they would want to take it with them,” he said.

Lewis disclosed that he would make craft whenever he has spare time since he is a farmer and also rears some chickens to supplement his income.

He will be at the craft booth at the beachfront on September 10 with his craft pieces so visitors can check him out.

Loreso Pearson, making his dream come true with the opening of an Indigenous restaurant
Meanwhile, Loreso Pearson is a small business owner who has a shop selling beverages among other things and he is in the process of constructing a restaurant which will have all Amerindian cuisine.

The 28-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that when the construction of his three-storey building is fully completed, his business will take on a new look to promote their local cuisine and drinks.

Pearson said it is a place overlooking the lake, the perfect spot for locals and visitors to relax and unwind with good food and beverages.

He revealed that his mother is the cook and she will prepare wild meats in the form of tuma pot, barbeque or fried with fries be it plantain or potato, hot off the fire to tantalise the taste buds.

“I feel it is my duty to showcase what we can offer as a people and it has been a life-long dream to have my own small business to explore the possibilities here in my home village, Mainstay,” he said.

The businessman added that Loreso Restaurant is a small business which will certainly provide a reliable and quality service to the people through wholesome Amerindian dishes and good customer ethics.

When the team visited, Pearson was constructing a section of his building which will accommodate his home, restaurant and bar.

“I am trying to make the place presentable for the National Heritage Day and I want things to be in order so I can provide a good service to the people,” he said.