These women are part of the team which has been working on the renovation of National Heroes Circle. From left: Pamela Walker, Tamika Davis (green top), Sophia Rowe (sitting on wall), Barbara Douglas, Jennifer Rhoden (with rake) and Janet Brown. Photo taken March 15. - photos by Yahneake Sterling

Yahneake Sterling, Staff Reporter

Newly Planted palms and patches of freshly painted concrete fence provided a warm welcome to the historic National Heroes Circle when Lifestyle visited last week.

The mid-morning sun was pelting heat on the grounds. The group-stage matches are in full swing, but everywhere you looked, scores of workers were still busy trying to complete renovation work at the site.

Among them were several women. Women have long entered the construction arena for some years now, carving out their own place in a man's world. And for the six women who spoke with Lifestyle, there isn't any aspect of the job they wouldn't do.

From mixing and carrying mortar, to loading blocks, to planting trees, raking leaves, and watering the plants, these women do it all.

Clean surroundings

The cleanliness of the surroundings was proof of their hard work.

Sophia Rowe, who is from Allman Town, has been a part of the construction crew for the past six weeks and says this has been her first stint in the field of construction.

"Mi neva inna it before, is the first, but mi come because mi want to si di place fix up fi di Cricket World Cup," she explained while sucking on a bag juice.

But the work has been so enjoyable for the mother of four that she plans to continue in the area of construction so that her children can continue to attend school regularly.

Workdays begin at eight in the mornings and last until six in the evenings, and the day before the West Indies-Pakistan match at Sabina Park, they worked until 11:00 p.m.

Source of income

For Barbara Douglas, the renovation taking place has provided her with a source of income she never had before.

"I was just lingering around, but mi deh yah now straight," the Nannyville resident said.

While acknowledging that income played a role, she says the love of her country took precedence. The work has provided exercise too - she has even lost weight.

"The work hard, but yuh dun know, woman work never easy so mi nuh mind it, and it betta dan sidung pan di streetside and di work keep mi fit," the 51-year-old said. Her toned arms and legs reflected the exercise she spoke of.

Mother of three, Tamika Davis says the last four weeks spent on beautifying the community has brought about more unity.

"With di beautification project, I think more people will come now because a so di place did fi look long time," the Allman Town resident said.

While putting on her gloves and dust mask, Janet Brown stated that there is nothing that a man does that women can't do.

"Is a man work, but wen yuh tek a stock, woman can do everything and it best fi we to. Mi nuh find it to be no problem," she told Lifestyle as her female colleagues nodded in agreement. Her co-worker Pamela Walker also concurred.

As the minutes went by, the women moved on to carry mortar to pave the sidewalk. "Wi have more work fi do, so come up yah so," they told this reporter.

The two-minute walk to the other side of Heroes Circle was eventful as several men inquired what was going on and asked for a chance to be interviewed. They were disappointed to hear that the women were the reason for the visit.

However, Orville Baker added his piece: "The women work hard, man. Dem nuh lef wi, especially, Pamela and Sophia."

"Dem push wi fi work harder and dem work just as hard," he added.

Smiling under the strain

Under the watchful eyes of the men, the women carried buckets of mortar to a nearby perimeter fence. The muscles in their arms twitched as the heavy buckets told the truth about the weight they carried. Under the strain, they still smiled.

Project officer for the construction area, who only would identify himself as 'Mr. Brandy', told Lifestyle that one could not ask for better workers than the women. In fact, he was impressed with their work ethic.

"It has to do with their community and their integrity, so they put out their best," he said.

As far as the work goes, Mr. Brandy says that the women have blended in well with the men.

"It's a 50-50 situation and you'll find that the women are easier to work with because they take instructions better than the men," he noted.

Sophia Rowe (left) shovels any construction material that men are usually seen doing. And co-worker Pamela Walker agrees.

Tamika Davis gets down to even out the mortar.

Sophia Rowe holds out a hand to balance herself as she carries a bucket of mortar.

Barbara Douglas seems very handy with her shovel.

For Pamela Walker, working on a construction site is like any other job. Little effort is needed to carry this bucket of mortar.

These women have no fear. Wearing a mask to protect her from the dust, Tamika Davis (left) scoops sand into this wheelbarrow while Janet Brown waits. - photos by Yahneake Sterling