In Clifton Settlement, which was once known as Port Mourant, then Tain, located along the Corentyne highway in Region Six, fish vendor Angela Naidu wakes at 2 am to head to work on most days.
Naidu, who has lived for some 14 years in Clifton Settlement, explained that after her husband suffered an injury to his hand in an accident, she was forced to jump into the world of work to be able to assist with running their household and providing for their daughter, who is in high school. She added that after her husband recovered, she did not want to stop working as she saw how it was benefitting them. In addition to that, she had already experienced the feeling of being independent, which she did not want to let go of. “You know, I does throw my box hand and so,” she said. “Me ah work and do everything for myself.”
Naidu believes every woman should be allowed to pursue a career. She said she was also encouraged to join the workforce after seeing many women in her village working. “Most ladies ah work in this village [along with] them husband. It more easy for the family,” said Naidu, who described the area as “a nice family village.”