From St Lucia to Guyana

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-‘Granny Venice’ made Mahdia home

By Khadidja Ba

Theresa John, best known as Granny Venice, migrated to Guyana from St Lucia in the early 1960s. It was a time when travel was a far cry from the conveniences of modern-day life. The roads were rough and the country’s dense jungle seemed impenetrable.

“I was young, but I had dreams,” she recalls, her eyes twinkling with the energy of those early days. “I left St Lucia for Georgetown, the capital city of Guyana, and from there, I journeyed to places no one could imagine.”

Now 83 years old, Granny Venice has become a living testament to the power of resilience, love, and the transformative force of faith.

“I travelled with a handful of people from Georgetown to Bartica, then from Bartica to Mahdia, a place so remote that you could feel the pulse of the earth beneath your feet,” she says, her voice a soft, reflective hum. “I trekked 111 miles to Mahdia. No light. No electricity. Just bush, bush, and more bush.” Her laugh is a warm, contagious sound, filled with the kind of joy only someone who has endured hardship and come out on the other side can possess.

Her time in the hinterlands of Guyana was not without its challenges, but it was also where Granny Venice’s unshakable faith and strength were forged. Living in isolation, in an area where access to the outside world was limited, she relied on her spiritual connection to keep her grounded. “In the bush, there were no distractions, only me and the Lord. I lived for Him, and I knew He would take care of me. There was no fear, no worry—only faith.”

After many years of life in Guyana, Granny Venice’s journey took her further afield. In the 1980s, she made the life-changing decision to emigrate to Canada, seeking a better life for herself and her family. In Canada, she observed a world vastly different from the one she had known — cold winters, fast-paced living, and a culture that often seemed detached from the simple joys of human connection. “I lived in Canada for 11 years,” she recalls with a soft sigh. “And I saw the way people rushed through life; always busy, always in a hurry. They had no time for themselves, no time for each other. People would be on the train, heads down, eyes on their phones, rushing to get to work, not even looking at the person beside them.”

Granny Venice, who had spent most of her life in rural isolation, was struck by the disconnection that seemed to plague so many. “I saw what they took — speed, cleanliness, and efficiency. But what they missed was the human connection. The love. The time to sit and talk. It was a different world, but I learned a lot.”

While in Canada, Granny Venice’s deep love for her family and her desire to help others continued to guide her. Her life, rich with the experience of raising 17 children, was one of constant service. She believed deeply in the importance of nurturing the next generation and teaching them the values that had guided her through life.

“I don’t seek,” she says, her voice firm, yet gentle. “I don’t eat meat, I live for the Lord.” She is not one for material things, but her heart overflows with love and gratitude for the life she has built. “I raised my children with love, with patience, with the Lord’s guidance,” she adds. “They are my greatest blessings.”

She has become a guiding light in her community, offering counsel to anyone who seeks her advice. Whether it’s about parenting, relationships, or spirituality, Granny Venice has a wealth of life lessons to share.

One of her most cherished teachings is the importance of respecting one’s parents. “Respect your mother and your father,” she says emphatically. “Honour them, because that is how you will be blessed.” Her deep faith also guides her in her observations of others, particularly in her quest to find true spiritual guidance. “I visit all the churches, to see who is truly serving the Lord,” she explains. “I want to know if the pastors are men of God. I don’t just go to church for the sake of it. I go because I want to grow in my faith.”

She is keenly aware of the challenges facing the younger generation, especially in a world that is often filled with temptation and distraction. “You see, there are many who are lost,” she says, her tone serious. “But if you train a child in the way they should go, they will not depart from it.”

Her concern for the youth is not limited to abstract advice—she speaks with the kind of authority that comes from experience. “You see how the world is today, with all the distractions and temptations. It’s harder for young people now. But if you guide them right, they can find their way,” she adds.

One of her favourite pieces of advice revolves around etiquette. “When you go to a wedding or any formal gathering, never just sit down without knowing if your seat is available,” she advises with a playful smile. “You stand up when someone comes, show respect, and always remember to greet with a smile. People will remember how you made them feel.”

Her advice is rooted in common sense, and delivered with the warmth of a grandmother who has seen much of life and knows what truly matters.

Granny Venice recalls a moment in her life that left a deep impact on her. “When there was the fire at the Mahdia dorms, I heard the commotion in the streets and one of my sons ran outside. One of my grandsons was staying in the dorms there… You know, a few weeks after, he came in my lap, sweating, and said he drank poison. We prayed. We rushed him to the hospital, and we prayed. Oh, how we prayed. He survived by the grace of God. Every Sunday, we have family prayers, and he leads them now. His mother stands in church and testifies about the glory of God,” she says.

As Granny Venice reflects on the years that have shaped her life, she often speaks of the importance of living with purpose, grace, and humility. “If I love you, I will smile with you. And if you smile with me, I know our hearts are in the right place,” she says.

In a world that often moves too fast, where technology can isolate us from the richness of human connection, Granny Venice’s story is a powerful reminder to slow down, embrace simplicity, and remember what truly matters. Her unwavering faith, her deep love for her family, and her commitment to serving others make her a true treasure.

Granny Venice is contemplating the possibility of writing a book to share her incredible journey. She is a living testament to the power of faith, love, and resilience.

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