By Oma Lesa Pierre
Oliver Kerr does not see his blindness as a disability rather he sees it as an advantage to view this world and everything else from a different perspective. Someone once said “A blind person, in reality, is the only person who can truly see,” and Oliver has been the embodiment of that quote.
His journey is as remarkable as it is inspiring. The 38-year-old father of two is a teacher, cricketer and a man of many other skills.
“It’s quite amazing that I’m skilled and living my life as any normal individual would with nothing ever hindering my success,” he said.
Oliver grew up in Charlotte Street, Georgetown and at the age of eight, he was diagnosed with an eye condition which would eventually lead to his loss of vision.
“As a young child who is visually impaired was quite different, I was deeply hurt and it’s infuriating when people are constantly making comments like ‘Are you really legally blind and how is it possible you can move around without assistance?’ When my first child was born and the sound of the little voice echoed through the house I felt free, I felt as though I had got my sight back. I realized so much on that day- what it felt like to be in a world and not feel stressed,” he related.
“How mad and wrong had I been all this time to expect myself to be able to keep up with everyone or for simply bumping into someone.
I never took pity on myself so I began to venture into new things, learning what I can to enhance my skills and improve my life. I took the decision that I had to find the best way to present myself partially blind. I had to be me in the world.”
Joining the Society for the Blind was one of the best decisions Oliver said he made since he was taught that “blindness is not binary rather it is a rich and fascinating spectrum. Visually impaired people come in many different variations but that shouldn’t hinder from who you are or what you will become.”
“I quickly climb the ladder of success from the assistance the Institute provided. I attended a lot of workshops where I received several certificates upon completion. As of recently, I completed a woodworking and chair repairs and I do plan on taking it up as a career. It’s a craft that should be pursued by young disabled persons because it has a lot of benefits in the long run.”
The entrepreneur said in 2011 he started his own business where he started making local condiments such as amchar and pepper sauce.
The inspiration came from his visiting a local supermarket and purchasing similar products. The unique taste had his interest piqued leading to him discussing the viable venture with his wife.
He said his wife along with a relative showed him how to go about making the products and from there he then began to experiment with different fruits to bring out a unique flavour. His experimentation proved to be a success after word got out and customers began pouring in.
The support came naturally he said. Guyana Society for the Blind was the first place that promoted his business.
“Sometimes I make roughly 20 bottles per week and a lot of foreigners as of lately order from me to take back with them.”
The man said sometimes it’s challenging but the support from his family keeps him going and they would help him a great deal with gathering the ingredients.
Oliver reiterated without the assistance it would be difficult for him to carry out the task. He does not allow his disability to hamper him from moving around and finish the task.
“I have plans to extend my business on a large scale, I want to supply my products internationally and opening a store is in the works presently.”
Oliver said he will continue to share his knowledge with others since this is just the beginning for him and to anyone who’s suffering from a disability should not let that hinder their future or success story.
