— Credits improved market access and Government support, but calls for action against alleged illegal agricultural imports from Brazil
A mother of three from Lot 44, Philadelphia, East Bank Essequibo, Region Three has expanded her modest kitchen gardening venture into a growing watermelon supply business serving customers across several parts of Guyana, crediting improved access to agricultural produce and opportunities within the country’s developing agricultural sector.
As Guyana’s economy continues to expand rapidly, women across the country are increasingly making their mark in traditionally male-dominated sectors, demonstrating resilience, ambition and entrepreneurial spirit.
Among them is Ms Shanaz, whose inspiring journey began with a modest kitchen garden and selling homegrown vegetables from a bus along the roadside, with her supportive husband by her side.
Today, she has progressed to becoming a watermelon supplier, transforming her humble beginnings into a growing agricultural enterprise while balancing her responsibilities as a wife and mother of three.
During a recent visit to her home, where hundreds of watermelons were on display, The El Dorado Beacon sat down with Shanaz, who shared her journey, experiences and lifelong passion for agriculture.
She explained that their business has expanded through increased access to agricultural produce supplied by Chris in Lethem, Region Nine, coupled with developments within Guyana’s agricultural sector that she believes are creating new opportunities for small entrepreneurs.
Ms Shanaz said, “My husband and I started off with a little kitchen garden, selling our produce from a bus, and today we have a truck bringing our produce from Lethem.
We are happy about that.
Today, we also have many customers who buy from us both wholesale and retail, coming from as far as Georgetown, the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, the East Coast, Bartica, the Essequibo Coast and many other places.”
Nothing that she is the driving force and face of their growing enterprise, Ms Shanaz acknowledged that balancing entrepreneurship with family responsibilities is no simple task.
Despite the demands of raising three children, fulfilling her role as a wife and managing her household, she remains passionate about her work and takes pride in what she has accomplished.
Drawing from her experiences, she encouraged women across Guyana, particularly those from humble backgrounds, to pursue their ambitions and embrace opportunities, regardless of how small their beginnings may be.
“I would like to encourage everyone, especially the women and younger generation, to put pride aside and work honestly for what you want ” she said.
“I came from a very poor family, but agriculture has helped me to make my way up in life, and I am grateful for that.
It has given me every little thing in life, and if I can do it, so can you.”
Ms Shanaz’s husband, who was beside her during the interview, proudly acknowledged her leadership in their business, declaring, “My wife is the boss of the business.”
He explained that since he spends much of his time working in the interior, his wife oversees the day-to-day operations, ensuring that customers are attended to and the business continues to operate smoothly in his absence.
Both Ms Shanaz and her husband expressed appreciation to President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali and Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha for recognising the importance of investing in Guyana’s agricultural sector and creating opportunities for farmers, small businesses and entrepreneurs.
According to the couple, the Government’s focus on agricultural development has opened new avenues for growth, allowing them to expand their operations and benefit from opportunities they believe would not have been possible otherwise.
Together, the couple credited President Ali’s vision for agricultural expansion across Guyana with helping to create an enabling environment in which small enterprises such as theirs can grow, thrive and gain access to wider markets.
However, despite welcoming these developments, concerns were also raised about the alleged continued illegal importation of agricultural produce into Guyana from neighbouring Brazil, a practice they explained is negatively affecting local farmers and legitimate agricultural businesses.
They appealed to President Ali and Minister Mustapha to investigate the situation and strengthen measures to address the alleged illegal importation of produce.
Shanaz’s husband said, “We are all happy with the developments taking place in agriculture, especially in Lethem, where we have watermelons, onions, turmeric and much more.
We are grateful for this and we must thank the President for what he is doing in Lethem and across Guyana, but there is an issue that is unfair to us and other farmers who are conducting our businesses legally and we would like him to look into it.”
He continued, “Mr President, on behalf of all farmers, we are kindly asking you and the Minister of Agriculture to look into the situation at the Brazil border.
We have documents issued by you the Government stating that we cannot bring citrus fruits, watermelons and certain other produce into Guyana from Brazil.”
“I personally know of some people who are bringing in this produce at cheaper prices and selling it for less, which is unfair to all of us and puts us at a disadvantage.
This is hurting our market, and it is definitely affecting the farmers who are planting these crops.
We are respecting the laws, and we are asking you to ensure that everyone else does the same,” he appealed.
While reiterating their appreciation for the progress being made within Guyana’s agricultural sector, the couple stressed the need for stricter enforcement of import regulations to safeguard local farmers and legitimate businesses, ensure fair competition and promote equal compliance with the country’s laws.
For Shanaz, her journey from a humble kitchen garden to a growing agricultural enterprise represents more than business success.
It reflects the possibilities that can emerge when passion meets opportunity and highlights the important role women continue to play in shaping Guyana’s agricultural landscape.
Her story also serves as an inspiration to other women who may be hesitant to take that first step, demonstrating that determination, family support and a willingness to work towards a goal can turn modest beginnings into meaningful achievements.
While reflecting on how far she and her husband have come, Shanaz remains optimistic about the future and hopes to diversify the range of agricultural produce offered through their business.
“I am happy with how far we have come, but I am looking forward to adding other produce to the mix as well,” the ambitious mother of three said with a smile, reflecting her determination to continue expanding the family’s agricultural business.
