ROOPA Ramdass is a stay-at-home mother of two, who takes care of the home, the cleaning and cooking on a daily basis, and her role in the home is vital in the upbringing of her children.
Being a housewife is a critical role; she takes on her duties seriously to ensure her children are not late for school, their meals are cooked, and the home is clean and organised.
Ramdass is 32 years old, and was sweeping the yard when the team visited Unity Village, Mahaica.

She likes the quietness of the village, and the neighbours who are good to her, and they would bring whatever fruits and vegetables they grow to her home.
Ramdass is originally from Palmyra, East Canje, Berbice, and relocated to Unity Village after marriage.

It was 13 years ago when she moved to Unity Village, and she is accustomed to the simple way of life that goes with the countryside.
“I would do what I have to and stay mostly indoors, but the people around here are good. We do talk when I see them around, and it is a good place to live,” she said.
That day, she had already made breakfast and lunch, and only had to do a quick meal for dinner, which is mostly roti with curry or a stew of choice.

KUMDAT PERSAUD
Meanwhile, in the same street is the home of pensioner, Kumdat Persaud, 68, who was once a farmer, but had to quit farming due to ill health.

The father of four told the Pepperpot Magazine that he is a local of Unity, Mahaica, where he’s always lived, even as a boy, and he likes the peace there.

Persaud said that four years ago, he developed severe pains in both legs, and started having difficulty walking or standing up for long periods.

He related that he was diagnosed with a pinched nerve and arthritis, which made him unable to work.

Persaud has since applied for disability benefit, but has not yet been able to receive it, even though he is registered with the National Disability Association of Guyana.

He stated that he is only getting old age pension, which is insufficient for his personal needs and cost of living.

INDRA BOODHOO
In Last Street, Unity Village, Mahaica is the home of Indra Boodhoo, an employee of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.

The 54-year-old mother of two reported that life is quiet in that village, and the people are easy-going and busybodies doing their own things.

She has been living there for the past 20 years, and has her elderly mother-in-law there, too. That day when the team visited, they were together outside chatting.

Boodhoo said that because the village is not very large, everyone knows each other, and would exchange cordial greetings daily.

She said that there are three main streets, and two cross streets in that section of the village, and a few shops here and there.

Boodhoo told the Pepperpot Magazine that life is how you make it, and she chooses to live humbly and peacefully.

Meanwhile, Aunty Doreen (only name given) is 77 years old, and after residing abroad for years, she returned to Guyana to stay.

She related that she cannot do things as she should, due to intense leg pains, and cannot stand for long.

The elderly woman reported that she has arthritis in both legs, and once enjoyed doing many things in the home.

She said she doesn’t go out much these days, because of the pains, but has never worked in her life, as she was a housewife taking care of the home and children.

She has six children, and is the grandmother of 14, and great-grandmother of one.

Aunty Doreen explained that the drains in the village need to be cleaned because whenever it rains, they would get flood even inside the lower flat of their house.

She added that there is a garbage problem in the community, and a general upgrade is necessary to maintain a clean environment.

She has a nice, clean home, with many trees, plants and flowers to add a bit of colour to the living space.