International cricketer Keemo Paul recently returned to his homeland of Saxacalli on a mission to aid the village with basic food and cleaning supplies.
The community, which is located on the left bank of the Essequibo River, some 25 miles from Parika, has seen a reduction in travelling in an effort to safeguard the residents from the novel coronavirus, commonly called COVID-19.
With key elements of the community’s livelihood such as boat service operations and fishing reduced significantly, access to the basic amenities have become difficult to obtain.
The 22-year-old West Indies all-rounder decided to supply the community with face masks, sanitising products along with numerous food supplies. It is understood the village has just over 60 residents currently, many of whom are elderly persons.
One resident, Allan Wilson, stated he was overjoyed with the initiative since it will help him and family tremendously.
“I don’t work the boat as much as before so this will help us a lot. Most of our food comes from the land where we plant but these supplies are stuff we would have to travel to Parika to get and not going there will keep me safer,” Wilson stated.
According to Paul, “Saxacalli is my home. I am not here currently but I know that being in lockdown will be hard even for communities like these that live off the land. From time-to-time we would have to travel to do business for other food supplies and I felt if I can give persons those needs, they will stay home more.”
The all-rounder, who would have been in India playing the Indian Premier League had it not been for the pandemic added, “Prevention is better is than a cure and I just want to see my family and close friends remain safe.”
His wish is for persons to act smart, follow the guidelines of the health authorities, and stay home unless it is a necessary reason to leave home.
