Morgan, Phillips struggling to make ends meet

Determined to escape the grip of poverty, two young men from the community of Redemption Sharpes have been putting their hands to work, in order to survive these “hard economic times.”{{more}}

Maxian Morgan and Omari Phillips are two unemployed young men who have been skilfully transforming calabashes to bowls or “bashies” as they are commonly referred to.

On a daily basis, the two spend much of their time walking the streets of Redemption Sharpes and surrounding areas, seeking buyers for their products.

They told SEARCHLIGHT that it is not an easy task, because they do not have the appropriate tools and adequate material to produce the type of work they would wish to.

However, they are determined not to let their skill go to waste, and occupy their time making the bowls, to earn a living.

Morgan, the more experienced of the two, disclosed that since he was a child, he was taught the art of making a “bashy” from the calabash, and since then, he has continued the trade.

“It’s not easy out here. I did not obtain the level of education as some, that would have allowed me to obtain a decent job.

“That does not mean I am going to sit on the corner and waste time when I know I have a skill,” he said.

More commonly known as “Piggy”, the young man said that he has learnt from seeing some of his friends and other young people end up on the wrong side of the law.

“I don’t want to end up in jail or having to go court every minute for nonsense. Some might think that we are just on the corners making “bashy”, but it’s a form of living and we will continue to do it, in order to make ends meet.”

Phillips on the other hand, has been involved in making “bashy” just over one year. He, too, revealed that this is how he supports himself and his family.

“I have kids and I have to ensure they are taken care of. I do not have a regular 9 to 5 job, but you would never find me getting involved in illegal activities that can land me in trouble,” he said.

Both men shared the same sentiment that making and designing bashies from the calabash is not a job recognized by society, but they are devoted to continuing their trade.

“We wish there were more opportunities for us to get sales on a larger scale, but for now, we will satisfy with what we have and continue to strive from the little that we make.”(AA)