Dularay “James” Seemungal, MS, joined the work force at the tender age of 12 and demonstrated a willingness to learn and discipline at his tasks that soon earned him promotions and the respect of his peers.
James said he started work on October 1, 1945 and earned the princely sum of six cents per hour or 48 cents per day, sums he clearly remembers. At that time, he told Stabroek News, the still was made of greenheart wood, copper plates and wallaba vats. James said he enjoyed being taken into the Fermentation Plant to wash the vats after every session.
Five years after he started working, he was promoted to a wash mixer, a post he held for four years. He then went on to become a still operator. James’s diligence at this task soon saw