JENNIFER Jeffrey is a very enterprising woman who turned adversity into several small businesses to support herself and her children.

As a single parent who was often faced with many challenges as a woman, she became the sole breadwinner of the home when the father of her children abandoned his responsibilities.

The mother of four told the Pepperpot Magazine that she is the co-owner of Cosmos Farms, a family-operated business that produces fresh organic fruits and vegetables for the local market.

As a cash crop farmer, she cultivates coconuts, mangoes, pepper, ginger, tomatoes, callaloo, and sorrel among other crops.

Jeffrey is the eldest of five sisters and two brothers, and she became independent when she realised no one was coming to help her.

She started making fried plantain chips from scratch and selling them with fresh homemade mango sour, and established the Red Tent Barbeque and Fish Shop small business at Supenaam Stelling, Essequibo Coast, Region Three (Essequibo Islands–West Demerara).

Having access to land that was just there, Jeffrey began planting crops to earn, and would even use the organic crops in her waterfront business as ingredients for the menu she offers.

Jeffrey has three acres of seasonal crops at her residence in Good Hope Village, Essequibo Coast, and is supported in the venture by her mother, Margaret Roberts, 59.

In addition, she began utilising the coconuts produced on her farm to make coconut oil, use the coconuts to water the farm, sell the water, and make fresh juices, including sorrel and other fruits.

The 44-year-old explained that she grew up in a family that derived its livelihood from farming; it had been part of them for a long time, so when she turned to farming to supplement her income, it was nothing new.

Jeffrey is also a poultry farmer with some meat birds, layer birds, Creole birds, and some baby chickens presently in her homemade pen, and she would sell the eggs garnered from the layers at $1,800 per tray.

She added that her parents had always been farmers, who raised her to use the land to plant crops to feed themselves.

Jeffrey told the Guyana Chronicle that the Red Tent shop is open daily from 4 a.m. to 12 a.m., and she provides employment for two people in that venture.

She is also a skilled seamstress who uses her spare time to make dresses and other outfits for customers on a made-to-order basis, using the raw materials they bring in.

Jeffrey was one of the many women entrepreneurs selected to participate in the first-ever all-women’s night market at Umana Yana, Georgetown.

The event gave her an opportunity to market her products and also network with other women who owned their own businesses.

She benefited from training at the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute (NAREI) and from several women’s seminars aimed at empowering women in business, and the experience was very enlightening.

Jeffrey provides steady employment for a total of six people, drawn from the village and surrounding communities.

Women’s Night Market

Earlier this year, the Women and Gender Equality Commission (WGEC) hosted a Women’s Night Market at the historic Umana Yana in Kingston, Georgetown—an event that saw more than 50 local women showcase farm-fresh produce, handmade goods, and agro-processed delicacies to a lively crowd.

According to the Commission’s Chairperson, Indranie Chandarpal, about 50 women participated in this year’s market, which she described as a success.

The initiative, now in its third year, celebrates women farmers and agro-processors and was designed to foster community spirit while promoting women’s economic empowerment.

Chandarpal said the event provided an ideal place to market, make connections, and buy farm-fresh vegetables, fruits, and other products, some of which are handmade.

She added that following the recent observance of Women’s Day, the night market was part of ongoing efforts to honour women and showcase their contributions to local production.

The atmosphere at the Umana Yana was lively yet relaxed, with a steady flow of visitors browsing stalls and sampling a wide variety of goods.

From farm-fresh produce, green seasonings, coconut water, fruit juices, and honey-based products, to pastries, cheesecakes, wines, pickles, and handmade crafts, the event reflected the diversity and ingenuity of local women entrepreneurs.

There were also food trucks offering freshly prepared meals, adding to the festive experience. Security was visible, ensuring a safe and family-friendly environment.

One of those women participants included Jennifer Jeffrey, who had for sale fresh plantain chips with sour, coconut water, organic callaloo, dried sorrel, and ginger.