HIRIRAM Jairam, called Sudesh, is a resident of Ma Retraite Village, East Bank Berbice and a farmer supported by his parents, who are vendors at the New Amsterdam Market.

The 27-year-old stated that he also supplies dry corn to some buyers, and he would have to peel a few dozen at a time when there is an order.

Jairam told the Pepperpot Magazine that he is a native of the village. Although small, they lead a very simple way of life and their time revolves around farming.

They cultivate citrus and cash crops, including pumpkins and he would move around via his motorcycle.

Jairam describes life as reasonable and he is very happy about the new road. Access is easier and they can traverse without issues these days.

He explained that they do not have any taxi or bus service in that area. As such, transportation is very costly and only on Fridays canter trucks would pass through to transport people and produce at $100 per person and one have to pay separately for the load.

At the time, he was at home alone since his parents had gone to the New Amsterdam Market to sell bananas, plantains and oranges.

Jairam added that things are very quiet in that village and just a handful of people reside there and it is a calm place to settle.

As a local, he doesn’t see himself moving out of the community soon but will leave his options open for future reference.

Ramdai Ramanand
The team also met Ramdai Ramanand, a widow, better known as Jean, who was awaiting transportation to get to the Corentyne, to stay at a relative’s home for two weeks as a requested favour.

Ramanand told the Pepperpot Magazine that she and her adult son live in the same house and he is a farmer, while she is a homemaker who takes care of the home and chores.

The 65-year-old stated that she is originally from Corentyne but came to the rural village when she was just six months old.

The mother of seven added that her husband died two years ago and it was difficult to adjust, but she is slowly getting accustomed to being a widow.

Ramanand explained that with no small children to care for, she has the time to travel and go places.

And only a few days ago, she returned from Linden following a vacation. She was spending time with her daughter.

She pointed out that she was asked to go and stay with some relatives for two weeks while her sister-in-law is overseas and she was all packed and ready to go, eager to take on another mini vacation.

Ramanand explained that she is really happy that they have a better road replacing a mud dam and is of the hope that things will get even better with time.

She disclosed that the village used to be populated, but due to the bad road coupled with schooling, transportation woes and unemployment, many people opted to relocate and left the community.

The elder reported that even though things go in slow-motion in their village, life can be considered fair because the people eat fresh and are semi self-sufficient.

“My son is a farmer and whatever is grown we sell and also use for the kitchen and the people around here share whatever vegetables they have,’ she said.

Ramanand added that there are no strangers in the community and it is just a few families remaining and it is a safe place to live.