THE village of Tucber is one of those communities that stand out for quite a few reasons: its peace and quiet, cozy community energy, and the fun-loving nature of its people. Most residents have no complaints about their community, but one Tucber man shares why he would like to see a little more excitement in his neck of the woods along Canje Road.

Michael Benjamin says that Tucber is the only community he has ever called home, and although much has changed in the community, the peace and quiet seem to be a permanent hallmark of his neighbourhood. Reminiscing about his childhood days, Michael shared, “Small days in this community were nice. I had a lot of friends, me and a few other boys from the community. We used to climb trees and fish. And in those days, we would have a ‘bush cook’. Growing up in here was lovely.”

Togetherness seems to be a trend in the community of Tucber. As Michael shared, one of the things he loves about his community is the fact that there is seemingly always support from neighbours regardless of the situation. “Anywhere in Tucber is a nice place to live. We have good people here, and everybody lives like family. If one of us has a problem, then we would come out and support.” Michael says this is just how the village has always been, and the need to help each other is a vital part of the community’s identity and has played a significant role in crafting many of his fond memories of his home.

These good times and cherished childhood memories are sentiments echoed by most of the community. However, whereas most would see the countryside life as good, Michael says he would like to see a few more activities in the community. After leaving school, Michael pursued an education at the Technical Institute, leading to his current career as a building contractor. “I was born, raised, and I still live in Tucber. I went to school here and then TI. Now, I work as a building contractor. But work is a bit hard to find in the community these days,” he stated.

Michael says the economic situation of the community and the region has improved immensely in recent years. And according to Michael, it would seem as though no more buildings are left to build within the community. This has led to more people branching off from Tucber to find work, Michael included. “There is still work in the community, but we have to branch off and go out to find new work. Tucber is already a developed community. Everyone comes together and helps each other.”

The development has also led to a diversification of jobs in the community, with more people seeking new jobs altogether. Agriculture has surprisingly survived well within Tucber. Most residents, Michael included, dabble in some agricultural activity. As Michael shares, “If it’s not with a few chickens or ducks, everybody has a kitchen garden.” This balance is incredible and continues to impact the community in countless ways, creating an interesting way of life for the community’s people.

Neighbouring New Amsterdam is not so different from the capital city of Georgetown, and some may argue that New Amsterdam has much more to offer in terms of activities. Michael says that the region is blossoming into an exciting hub of its own, but he still frequents Georgetown for one simple reason: the city is fast-paced. As he explained, “I like Berbice, and New Amsterdam is right next to Tucber. But I like town. Berbice is more slow, easy-going, and peaceful. But in Georgetown, things are faster. There are more people and everything.”

The contrast between regions has crafted a unique middle ground for people like Michael. As much as he enjoys the flow of people and traffic the capital offers, nothing compares to coming home to the tranquillity of Tucber and the slow drift of the Canje River. “But life up this side is better. I could go out to my neighbours and get something or go into my backyard and pick some greens to cook. So life in Berbice is good, too.”

Most days, Michael works at various jobs around the community, making ends meet for him and his son. Other days, he spends time with the villagers and neighbours playing football on the quiet streets of Tucber. Because even if Tucber isn’t exactly exciting, it’s definitely the place Michael calls home, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.