Often, we have to do things we don’t usually do just for the betterment of our families and that can be said for Nadira Persaud, of Hubu, East Bank Essequibo, who left her home and had to relocate since her children were attending secondary school on the West Coast Demerara.

She is a domestic worker around the community and a security guard who has been living on the dam at Hubu for the past nine years.

The 44-year-old related that, as a mother of four she had to think about her children’s future, and her way of equipping them is via education as an avenue out of poverty.

Persaud told the Pepperpot Magazine that even though they don’t have the basic amenities as other villages, she is pleased that she has a roof over her head.

One of her daughters is a registered nurse attached to the Leonora Hospital, and it was hard for her to study without electricity, but she completed her course with a lamp.

The absence of potable water, electricity, landline phones and the internet is bothersome, but they have since learned to make do with what they have.

Persaud related that her job is nearby, within walking distance and her life is there and financially, she is not capable.

Persaud added that a meeting with the authorities is necessary following the news that the residents would need to relocate from the government reserve. She added that they are very worried because they have nowhere to relocate.

Balram Nellie, the taxi driver
The prospect of relocating seems dim for Balram Nellie, whose job is based at the Hubu Koker. He provides a reliable taxi service for riverine people daily and even during the wee hours of the morning and night in cases of emergencies.

The 24-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that he is still paying for his motorcar and he is also in debt at Courts Guyana, so his hands are somewhat tied.

He has been living on the dam at Hubu since he was a young boy and his life is based there because his job is there and if he has to relocate, he will have to hustle just like any other taxi driver on the road.

Nellie added that he is in the process of completing his own house, right on the dam, Hubu and he is in a common law relationship and he was forced to move in despite his house being unfinished.

He reasoned that the dam should be regularised so the families living there could access the basic amenities to raise their standard of life.

Despite the challenges, Nellie stated that he likes where he lives because it is familiar and he grew up there, so relocating is not in the picture for now.

“I need time to work and pay off my loans and also save up for a house lot and whatever else is required to move, so right now I don’t have those things,” he said.

Shakrukh Domingo
At 23 years old and already the father of two, Shakrukh Domingo had to get his act together fast because he has children to provide for so he gained employment with a logging company.

He told the Pepperpot Magazine that he is originally from Bonasika Creek, Essequibo River and 10 years ago, he left his home village in search of a better life.

Domingo added that he had to seek a job, and he built a small house on the dam at Hubu after he got married and had children because he had nowhere else to go.

“In here the people live good, neighbourly and they watch out for you, it is a safe place to raise a family,” he said.