NELISHA Ramdeo has called the village of Tapakuma home for almost a decade. Before beginning her life in Tapakuma, Nelisha lived in Anna Regina, Essequibo. Being born and raised in Anna Regina, although just 14 miles away, was a different world entirely from what she now knows in the community of Tapakuma.

Nelisha ventured into the community to live with her now husband. But due to her upbringing in the bustling town of Anna Regina, moving to Tapakuma meant leaving a lot behind. As a town, Anna Regina has developed and is far more equipped than the small community of Tapakuma. Although living in the community has its challenges, the serenity of the village is unmatched. Even though she grew up among the constant shifting of things, the peace and quiet that Tapakuma offers is what keeps her in the village. “Anna Regina and Tapakuma are very different,” Nelisha stated. “Tapakuma is a quiet place. It is quiet and I like living here.”

People and places
St. Denys’ Tapakuma hosts upwards of 400 people who are spread across a few miles of community and farmland. After traversing the access roads, entering Tapakuma shows the true diversity that Guyana has to offer. Compared to places such as Anna Regina and Lima Sands, the difference, peace, and quiet the village has managed to retain throughout the years is almost unbelievable. Nelisha told the Pepperpot Magazine that, “Anna Regina and the rest of the coast is noisy, I would say. But Tapakuma is a nice place to live.” Nelisha and numerous other villagers came to Tapakuma to start a new life.

When Nelisha moved into the community all those years ago, she admitted that initially, it was difficult. She stated that, “When I first came here, the only person I knew was my sister. But as time went on I met more people and I like living here so far.” Although primarily and originally an Amerindian community, people of all races have ventured into the community to start life. Nelisha is one such person, and she says that the longer she calls the village home, the more the villagers treat her like family.

Way of Life and Development
Tapakuma, with its many people and booming natural diversity, has developed amidst the many challenges the village faces. The adversities of living in the community have persisted; however, according to Nelisha. The people of Tapakuma try to make as few trips to Anna Regina as possible. Because of the time, money, and difficulty leaving and returning to the village presents, people like Nelisha leave the community once a week. However, the village and its people are working on becoming self-sustainable. As a community of farmers, the people of Tapakuma are dedicated to agricultural development. In many cases, the community does manage to rely on itself, with more villagers farming and selling within the village.

Getting groceries into the community, particularly “greens,” was and perhaps still is a hassle for Tapakuma’s people. Nelisha explained that in recent years, however, the community has strived to farm and sell among themselves, as she stated, “It is hard to get food and “greens.” But sometimes we buy from other villagers from what they plant and sell.” This practice has made life in Tapakuma somewhat easier. Although Tapakuma is not ideal, residents of the village say that their village is perfect for them. The people of the community have a profound love for each other and their community.

The village has implemented an enhancement team, of which Nelisha is a part. Along with her fellow villagers, they work on various aspects of community development. Nelisha believes that the village’s hospitable nature is owed to its people. She shared that, “These people are really nice people to live around.” And whether you visit the community or you are passing through, it is hard not to be captivated by the village of Tapakuma.