FORT Ordinance is one of the communities in Guyana that houses core homes. The news of core homes has become common knowledge after it spread like wildfire upon its initial release. Some time has passed, and the number of homes being occupied is rising. As the Pepperpot Magazine ventured into the village this week and spoke to a single mother who has made the bold choice to move her family to one of Fort Ordinance’s core homes. The mother of two shared that despite the challenges, ups, downs, and negative ideas people may have, having a home of her own has certainly changed her life.

As we enter into International Women’s History Month, stories like that of Tamica Simon remind us that amazing women can be found all around us. The mother of two hails from the community of Cumberland, just a few villages outside of Fort Ordinance. Her childhood there is what she aims to give her children today: A quiet and peaceful existence. As she stated, “Cumberland is real nice. I mean, back when I was growing up there, it was really nice. Everybody got along together. It was neighbour-friendly. It was very neighbour-friendly. Everybody looked out for each other. We would eat with our neighbours.”

The mother of two has a story you may have heard before, but it is still inspiring nonetheless. Tamica and the father of her children separated several years ago. She stated that although she provided well for her sons, she was not prepared for it mentally. “You’ve got to be mentally strong, especially for that last one. They’re 13 and 11. It’s not something that you prepare yourself for,” she explained.

Tamica further likened the experience of becoming a single-mother to being thrown into the deep end and being forced to find your feet while keeping your family’s head above water. “You just have to find one of your best feet to plant in the ground, because both your feet cannot plant in the ground. It’s just one; just one you need to plant in the ground, and you’re good. So it wasn’t as difficult as always. But I had a job. So, I could have maintained them without his help. But mentally, it was draining.””

As a mother and a woman, Tamica shared that she would like to see more emphasis placed on the emotional pressures of motherhood. The moral, mental, and emotional support her sons require of her are some of the most taxing parts of motherhood, which are often not seen by onlookers. “Providing especially that moral support that they’re going to need when they want that attention and that support from you it’s hard to give them when you don’t have anything for yourself, so sometimes I lock away in the room, and I cry. You need a good cry.”

The importance of a good cry cannot be overstated, and neither can the importance of music. In her emotional moments, Tamica turns to music. She went on to emphasise the importance of quiet moments, which she says are rare but immensely important for a mother. Today, she embarks on a new venture, acquiring her own home. Several years ago, Tamica began all the paperwork and preparation needed to get a new home, and this year, she was allotted a home in Fort Ordinance.

On the surface, acquiring a home would certainly be a good thing. However, Tamica said her decision was met with plenty of negativity. As she shared, “I actually gave it up at one point in time, because there were a lot of negative comments about it. That it’s too small; it can’t work, and it’s this and it’s that. But I want you to know, when you think about it, for a woman with two children, isn’t that better than nothing? Right? It’s better than nothing.”

Tamica could be found many days doing work at her Fort Ordinance home. Although she is not quite ready to move in just yet, Tamica is happy with her decision. She has continued work on her home, and has a few other things she would like to complete over the next few months before settling in. As she shared, “I’ve been doing piece by piece. Because of all my work, I’m always available. So when I’m home, I come over, I push in a piece, relax.” Tamica firmly believes in self-development, especially as she is currently gaining a degree at the University of Guyana. To other persons like herself, Tamica urges them to take the step, stating that, “Little by little, you’re going to accomplish something. You have to start somewhere. It’s small, yes. But it’s yours. It’s going to do the job.”