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39 Stanleytown
Hyacinth Griffith, retired nurse.
– A community of interesting personalities
Kaieteur News – The small community of 39 Stanleytown is located in New Amsterdam, Region 6 and is situated just a few minutes from the heart of the township and another few minutes from East Bank Berbice.
A walk through the neighbourhood will reveal a small cluster of interesting people.
When The Waterfalls visited, we caught up with a retired nurse; she was hanging clothes on the line, one of the many chores she engages in on a weekly basis. A bit apprehensive at first to speak with us, she eventually warmed up and turned out to be a really friendly individual.
An old abandoned house with age-old architecture
Hyacinth Griffith is 71-years-old but looks 20 years younger than her actual age. She has been living at 39 Stanleytown for the past year but was a resident of New Amsterdam most of her life.
“This is my mom’s place; she used to sell sweets at the market…”
Griffith who was a nurse for 25 years is now retired and said she misses the profession dearly. She was attached to the New Amsterdam Hospital and the National Psychiatric Hospital at Fort Canje, Berbice. She added that though retired, she is still a source of basic medical advice to people who know her and are associated with her.
The retired nurse described the community as very quiet. She said jokingly, “I does drink a lot of water and mind my business” before agreeing to have her picture taken. She went about her merry way and continued with her afternoon chores.
Just a short distance away, we found another gem; a sculptor and hire car driver, named King James.
He was extremely welcoming when we showed up and as we entered his yard, visible were amazing pieces sculpted wood by James himself. It was quite a sight!
The talented James said he learnt the art from his cousin.
– Sculptor King James and some of his pieces
“A cousin use to do it and I use to sit by him every day and watch and I just suddenly pick up the tools and burst into it…”
James said he is more into creative art and for him, it’s just having a piece of wood and him getting creative without having anything really in mind.
“What comes out, comes out,” he said.
He added that one piece of art such as a table with stools would take about a month with him working on it every day. The smaller pieces usually take a shorter time. He uses Mahogany and Samon wood to create his magnificent pieces, with just a chisel, sand paper, mullet and the varnish to add to its finishing touches.
The sculptor mentioned that he once supplied an art and gift shop in Georgetown but does not anymore. He said he has played with the idea of opening a gallery to display his pieces but has second thoughts because he believes that it won’t get the attention it deserves in Berbice.
A resident that is concerned about road and drainage
James said that he enjoys living within the community and notes that he is well-known around New Amsterdam but he still remains humble.
If persons are desirous of having a piece sculpted, they can make contact with James on (+592) 602-3077.
Meanwhile, over on the southern side of 39 Stanleytown, we met another resident who has been living in the community for just over a year. He previously lived at No.1 Village, Corentyne and notes that where he lives now is more developed and more accessible.
A section of 39 Stanleytown
He had a few bones to pick with the authorities in charge of the township and by extension, the government.
“Either the city, the government or whoever, should look after New Amsterdam properly…Right in New Amsterdam, it got some holes when I drive, I does drop in some deep hole and at the backdam where the RDC is, they have a very good road there and in the town, it have big, deep potholes…”
He also mentioned that the drainage is not as it should be, “This trench is let’s say 12 ft wide and they gave a 2 ft gutter to drain the water, how you gon drain from 12 to 2?” He said there is a lot of backup and when the rain falls, it floods easily.
In the community, you may find a few abandoned houses and empty lots but the residents live peacefully with each other.
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