Home to some 500 people, Groenveldt, on the West Coast Demerara, is sandwiched between Leonora and Edinburgh and is believed to have existed since the late 19th century.
Groenveldt was once referred to as Wine Bush because of the proliferation of bushes bearing tiny purple-coloured berries, known locally as ‘baby jamoon,’ which grew wild in the area. The people who lived in the nearby village, it was said, would gather these berries to make wine. This tasty beverage, made mostly at Christmas time, was greatly anticipated in the bygone days.
It was afternoon when I visited, and people milled around the streets stopping to chat with friends and neighbours. It was easy to ask for directions as everyone knew everyone.
