— The epitome of peaceful ‘countryside life’
THE East Berbice Corentyne (Region Six) landscape features over fifty picturesque villages. Many of these villages are adorned with acres of lush vegetation and cultivated farmlands, historical buildings with architectural aesthetics from days of old and a blend of people from diverse cultures that cement the region as the ideal place to truly experience the joys of living in the countryside. Situated along the heart of the Corentyne is Whim, a small quaint village teeming with calm, easy-going people and an abundance of arable lands and agricultural produce.
The Guyana Chronicle’s Pepperpot Magazine set out excitedly last week to journey along the coast for 1 hour and 45 minutes from the country’s capital city, Georgetown to the Berbice River Bridge at Palmyra Village (East Berbice Corentyne) and then traverse for an additional 30 minutes to visit Whim Village. This was in an effort to engage with residents to have glimpses of their daily lives and to learn about the socio-economic activities that are helping to boost community development.
Apart from the welcoming fresh cool breeze and relaxing ambience that soothingly envelopes the soul in a sense of peace and tranquility, one of the most rewarding things about Whim is the feeling of simplicity and homeliness accentuated by the slow-paced rhythm of village life that compellingly forces a person to stay awhile longer than they intended.
Whim is bordered by Auchlyne and Lancaster villages. Along the main access road that runs from the seawall to ‘Wire dam,’ the people of Whim go about their day peacefully, some stopping to enjoy a ‘good morning gaff’ and hearty laughter in the streets amidst a maze of buildings, houses and farms.
The origins of the village remain unclear even though several residents claimed that during the ‘early days’ the area had swamps and grasslands and it was owned by Presbytery, a part of the Presbyterian Church, which still stands a short distance away in Auchlyne (East Berbice Corentyne). These lands were eventually turned into ‘squatting areas’ before being transformed into a liveable community.
Whim Village has a population of 400 to 500 residents. According to the Chairman of the Bloomfield/Whim Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC), Shewdat Veerana, the village is an agricultural community where farming produce such as vegetables, fruits and ground provisions, fishing and livestock rearing are the primary economic activities.
Veerana also commended the part-time jobs initiative the Government of Guyana implemented that has provided additional earning opportunities for residents in the village.
Meanwhile, he said that Whim is currently undergoing major infrastructural development with the construction of asphaltic concrete all-weather roads that will improve transportation access to and from the village. There are also ongoing upgrades to the drainage and irrigation systems in the village that will help to ease the challenges of flooding during the rainy season. On the other hand, he pointed out that there is a need for a functional sports facility that can provide youths in the community with ample recreation space as well as street lights that will further illuminate the village and enhance security.
“We are doing great in Whim. We depend on each other for support,” expressed 59-year-old Veerana who is also dedicated to prioritising the needs of the people and working to ensure that his team at the NDC improves the quality of life of Whim residents so they can benefit from the local sectors such as agriculture, security, health and education, to name but a few.
Additionally, the village has several basic amenities spanning electricity, potable water supply, internet and telecommunications connections and a drainage and irrigation system. Presently, the essential community facilities include a nursery school, health centre, community centre, post office, police station, Magistrate’s Court, Probation and Social Services Department under the Child Care and Protection Agency – the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, a Guyana Telephone and Telegraph outpost, Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) branch office and a sub-office of the Region Six – Regional Democratic Council (RDC). There are also several churches belonging to different Christian denominations and Hindu temples. In addition to this, an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) branch office is responsible for reinforcing robust rules and regulations to safeguard
the environment against any harm.
There are no primary or secondary schools in the village. The nearest primary school is located at the neighbouring village, Auchlyne or in other close-range communities such as Manchester Primary.
Whim Village is no doubt a great place in diverse ways that holistically embody the essence of the Corentyne in showcasing ‘true countryside life.’
