Local star Keemo Paul fortifies Saxakalli against COVID-19
A village fights the novel coronavirus…
Fast bowling sensation Keemo Paul, a valued member of both the Guyana Amazon Warriors and the West Indies team, recently returned to his place of birth, Saxakalli, on a mission to provide basic food and cleaning supplies to assist villagers held hostage by the novel coronavirus.Residents of the community of Saxakalli, located on the left bank of the Essequibo River some 25 miles from Parika, have taken it upon themselves to reduce travel to a minimum in an effort to safeguard themselves from the novel coronavirus, commonly called COVID-19.
Keemo Paul displays one of the many hampers
With boat service operation and fishing being key parts of their livelihood, both of which are now significantly reduced, accessing basic amenities was becoming difficult for them. The 22-year-old Keemo Paul has taken it upon himself to supply the community with face masks, sanitising products, and numerous items of food. It is understood that the village currently has just over 60 residents, many of whom are elderly persons.Allan Wilson, one of the residents who received a care hamper, has said he is overjoyed to receive the hamper because it would 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 said.According to Paul, “Saxakalli 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 (that) if I can give persons those needs, they will stay home more.”The all-rounder, who would have been in India playing in the Indian Premier League had it not been for the pandemic, added, “Prevention is better than a cure, and I just want to see my family and close friends remain safe.”Keemo, further, asked for persons to act smart, follow the guidelines of the health authorities, and stay at home, unless they find it absolutely necessary to leave home.
