TWO booming local businesses on the West Coast Demerara often join forces in a bid to promote the Indigenous Way of Life and Culture. The latest effort was the first Amerindian Heritage ‘wash down’ at Dada’s Grill Restaurant and Bar.

Dada’s Grill and Calvin’s Indigenous Cuisine, at Tuschen, East Bank Essequibo, are owned by two good friends, Calvin Roberts and Ken Rampersaud, who have decided to work in a collaborative effort to promote the Indigenous culture and way of life, especially during Heritage Month celebrations.

The event saw persons coming from as far as Georgetown to indulge in Indigenous delicacies and beverages. “It was an eventful day with Indigenous vendors exhibiting their products,” Roberts shared with Pepperpot Magazine.

Indigenous crafter, Natasha David was on hand, along with Dixies Crème Liqueur, promoting the locally-made beverage. Even the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs staff were present as well.
Roberts, who is also a youth ambassador for Indigenous Peoples and their rights in Guyana, had always had his heart set on becoming an Indigenous entrepreneur, especially as he visited various Amerindian celebrations and exhibitions in Guyana and even overseas.

Finally, he decided what he wanted to do: Cook. “It has been something that has been lacking in Region Three,” Robert said, adding: “As a matter of fact, I don’t think there is any Indigenous cuisine in the region, so I wanted to be the first person to do it.”

Roberts, who has roots in the Pomeroon, launched ‘Calvin’s Indigenous Cuisine’ – Han-the Wako-tha-the (Come let’s eat), and uses his kitchen at home to prepare all sorts of Indigenous delicacies. While he mainly works on orders, his long-term plan includes finding a space to offer dine-in. In the meantime, though, his friend, Ken, has kindly allowed him to use his restaurant to showcase and sell his delicacies.

His menu includes: Cassava bread and tuma pot, labba, deer, wild hog, capybara, fish, walrus and chicken, with beverages like potato wine (Fly) and piwari.
“I always wanted to start my business at home to embrace that uniqueness and pride that comes along. As my business progresses, I will then venture to wherever the need is great. It is about promoting and upholding the Indigenous lifestyle, culture and tradition,” Roberts had said in a previous interview with this publication.

As a health advocate, he also said he has witnessed how many people suffered and died from diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, etc. “I strongly believe one of the most contributing factors for this is poor or unhealthy eating habits. I want to reintroduce or reinforce the importance of lifestyle modification, specifically diet modification,” he said, adding: “My cuisine seeks to promote healthy eating habits as we gear the Guyanese people to make a conscious decision to adapt a healthy lifestyle, and thus increase the chance of their longevity.”

Roberts said he’s always advocated for the Indigenous Peoples and their rights to equality in Guyana. “We are educated, we are intelligent, and we are a peaceful people. We have potential and ambitions like any other ethnic group.”