A RESIDENT on the Island of Wakenaam in the Essequibo River has produced the country’s first bicycle made from hardwood that is grown in Guyana’s forest.According to reports, Mr Shazim Bacchus, a resident of San Souci,   who is a joiner by trade, has produced the bicycle from hardwood that is abundant in the country’s rich forest.
Bacchus in an interview with this publication said he has constructed the bicycle using his own skills and technology. According to the joiner, God has blessed him with the special skills of producing furniture which includes chairs, tables, kitchen cupboards, wardrobes, dining sets and beds in all models and descriptions.
He said his business is established under the name ‘EF Trading’ which means Evergreen Exotic Forest at San Souci. Bacchus said that since Guyana has abundant hardwood, it can be used to manufacture bicycles which is adding value to the wood in a different way.
The skillful joiner is proud of his achievement and is looking forward to manufacturing more bicycles from hardwood.
Bacchus who is the son of carpenter/ contractor, Mr Kazim Bacchus, has responded to a call by President David Granger for value-added products. The President in a call to Guyanese recently at Charity said too much raw materials are exported out of the country and he wanted value to be added to products.
The joiner said he is proud that Wakenaam has produced the country’s first wooden bicycle from hardwood.

By Rajendra Prabhulall