I CALL her “The Godmother” and consider her my dear friend. Patricia Narine has been running the private washroom, a stone’s throw from John Fernandes Wharf, for over 10 years now.
By Vanessa Cort
Before that, she operated the facility on Orange Walk, close to Bourda Market with the same motherly “vibe” that has seen her earn the affection of all who visit the washrooms.
The young men who work at the wharf and are regular visitors, clearly love and respect Patricia, but more than this they treat her as a mother.
They laugh with her, talk with her, confide in her and are willing, helping hands when she needs it.

For not only is Patricia in charge of the washroom, she has transformed the area into a thriving business, installing two freezers nearby- one stocked with beers and then other with non-alcoholic beverages.
She also sells sweets and cigarettes, though as a smoker herself, she decries the habit and often talks about giving it up – easier said than done, as she laughingly admits.
When we met, more than a decade ago. I was at a “dark place” in my life while she was doing well and looking good. I would often recall the first time I saw her getting out of her car near the Bourda facility,  looking like a “million dollars”, and watching her open the washroom.

I was surprised. She looked like an elegant shopper, not someone you would associate with a sanitary premises. I learned the error of jumping to conclusions when I was later able to observe the easy efficiency with which she handled her job and the warmth she showed to all her customers.
At the Stabroek facility, her voice and catchy laughter often ring out as she directs her cleaner/ helper or shares a joke with one of the “regulars”.

This voluptuous woman, sporting locks below her waistline, earns many-a-compliment, often responding by saying, “I’m an [Indian] Rasta and proud of it!”
She told me she has been doing this job in various capacities at locations around the city, earning the fond title of “Indian Chief”.
When the owner of the operation died she took over and turned the Bourda washroom into a meeting place, where vendors and others would gather to share a brief chat, laugh over the events of the day or even sponsor a social drink.

In fact, when I got to know her, the two of us would often “sub up” and buy a drink, chaser and even “cutters.” I would then sit in with her, lending a hand and even taking her place briefly while she stepped out to make a quick purchase or run an errand.
Our friendship, which began at Bourda, has blossomed at Stabroek, as has her business, catering for the thirsty multitude who pass through there.
Patricia Narine has turned her humble washroom into a place of joy, where laughter is regularly heard, in a clean and fresh environment.
“I like down-to-earth people…I’m not ashamed of my job. I enjoy it,” she said, adding: “I meet different people, learn a lot and it has made me who I am today.”
And that is a caring and successful, independent female entrepreneur.