Christopher James

micevan1l6

By Rabindra RooplallThe customary hustle and bustle for presents, the thought of a variety of mini-feasts, and a reassuring sense of togetherness and companionship causes persons to forget those who are removed from townships, and have relocated to the savannas and dense jungles of the interior locations in Guyana.Such is the life of miners who seek precious stones and metals to develop their lives while leaving families and friends behind for the Christmas season.Though this is a profitable venture, it is also cause to reminisce on the Christmas holidays spent away from the home and the people you love.Mark Thomas is one gold miner, who spends his days away from the clustered urban life while seeking the treasures of the earth.He says that the tranquility and serenity that is offered in the interior cannot be compared to any other part Guyana.  And with such silence there can be real contemplations on what relatives are doing for the seasonal holiday.One logger, Christopher James, explained that even though the harmony of the jungle is soothing there are many times when such silence can really become depressing depending on your thought patterns. These thoughts cause people to have the desire to leave the hinterland and head for the coast.“This happens especially if you have children and a wife who keep reminding you that they miss you and need to see you more often.”“Even bachelors who are hardened to the interior miss being with their relatives at Christmas time…Nobody likes to be alone during the holidays.”James added that the reason for a “man in the bush” to miss his home and town so much is because there is never anything really happening in the interior locations around the country at Christmas time.He explained that sometimes many camp mates may get together and hold their own little Christmas party which is better than being lonely for the holidays.“It might not be the best of time but it beats the boredom that loneliness in the bush brings…We sometimes have a nice pot of cook-up with rum and other drinks.”Adding that the celebration would normally be greater if the camp has been doing well in gathering gold and gems, he said everyone’s spirit would be high when there is success on a mining camp.Added to this, many of the landings where miners and loggers go to buy supplies and rations often have Christmas parties where there are lots of food, drink and merriment. These are where many of the miners and loggers go for their entertainment during the holiday season.Today, many loggers and miners would also be trying to enjoy or are enjoying their Christmas.