DESPITE not having any formal training in mechanics, Robert Jacobis is earning a living in his community as the go-to mechanic and is well-known among the locals.
Narrating his story, the 50-year-old said he is a native of Massara, North Rupununi, Region Nine, but his wife is from Karasabai Village, South Pakaraimas, and he settled in that village years ago.

Jacobis added that, since the age of 18, he started to dabble in fixing engines. Coming from an agricultural background, he was always around agricultural equipment, and when it stopped working, he had to learn to fix it.

The father of six stated that his mechanical journey started with fixing tractors, Land Rovers and pick-up trucks.
Jacobis related that he went into mining and worked in Regions Seven, Eight and Nine, and for one year, he worked alongside a well-versed mechanic who was known for his skills in fixing all engines and machines.

He told the Pepperpot Magazine that he learned a lot from the elder gentleman, an Indian fellow, who encouraged him to stay focused, and he took his advice and was eventually able to grasp the skills.

“Learning to become a mechanic was not easy at all; this big man was okay, but he cursed me non-stop for one year straight, and I had to get it right,” he said.
Jacobis reported that today, it is safe to say he can fix almost anything. The mechanic pointed out that in his village of Karasabai, a remote place, he is always busy fixing brush cutters, excavators, trucks, bicycles, motorcycles, among others on the spot and at his tyre shop.

Jacobis’ tyre shop is at a friend’s house, and there he would have frequent visitors waiting to have their engines or vehicles fixed.

He explained that since most people in the village utilise bicycles and motorcycles, he has plenty to fix almost daily because people use them to travel great distances where transportation isn’t fixed.

At times, Jacobis is required to get out of his comfort zone and go to different places to fix vehicles, and he would work around both the north and south of the community.
Without qualifications as a mechanic written on paper to show, the self-styled mechanic told the Pepperpot Magazine that he learned over time to become good at his job, and that gained him the respect he needed to elevate his small business.

In addition, Jacobis revealed that he used to look at YouTube videos on how to fix certain engines and machines, and that helped him to upgrade his skills.
Sometimes, he would venture into the hinterland to work as a mechanic, but mostly he likes to be at home, close to his family.
Jacobis said life in Karasabai Village is peaceful and quiet, the air is fresh, and the people are good and familiar to him; they co-exist in harmony.

He noted that Karasabai Village is a natural environment with a splendid backdrop of the mountains, and they have plenty of space to do whatever they need to earn.
Jacobis reported that he would often look at mechanical videos online to keep things fresh and stay updated so that when challenges arise, he would be able to handle himself in the field of mechanics.

“I don’t have the papers, but I can do the work, so I don’t let that bother me though, since I never had the opportunity to go to Guyana Technical Institute or any workshop to benefit from certified training,” he said.

Jacobis added that being able to utilise his skills to assist others is a good thing for him, and he uses his time to also empower the youths to learn a trade to be skill-ready for work.The mechanic is rated among the best among his peers and in his ‘neck of the woods’, so to speak.

Jacobis told the Pepperpot Magazine that his positive attitude and willingness to learn also played a vital part in becoming the person he is today, and he is grateful for that.