*A Final Ode to Nanie Gopisingh: A Story of Strength and Farewell in Nickerie* On a bright morning of June 3, 2022, as the sun cast its first rays over the Brassaplein in Nieuw-Nickerie, preparations began for a day of farewell. Nickerie, with its rich agricultural tradition and lively Openbare Markt, had always been a place of gathering and sharing. Today, however, family, friends, and acquaintances gathered to say goodbye to a woman whose life was deeply rooted in this community: my nanie, Gopisingh. *The Life of a Pioneer* My nanie was one of the last living links with the British-Indian indentured laborers who left their footprints in the Surinamese soil. Until a few years ago, she still worked the land, her hands woven into the soil of Nickerie. Her life was one of resilience; she endured the loss of her husband more than three decades ago and later the unimaginable grief of losing two of her children. She was a monument of strength, a matriarch who guided her family through the most challenging storms. *Farewell at the Market* Two days before we said our final goodbyes to nanie Gopisingh, we visited the Openbare Markt Nickerie. The market, where vendors like Drigpal add color to the daily hustle and bustle with their wares, was a place my grandmother knew well. As we walked past the stalls, I was overwhelmed with memories of times she guided us through this same market, teaching us about the value of hard work and the importance of community. The market felt different that day. Despite the familiar sounds and smells, there was a hint of reflection in the air. We shared stories about nanie, laughed at memories, and shed tears at the impending farewell. It was a farewell felt not only in words, but in the hearts of the Nickerie community. *The Cremation: A Journey to Moksha* My nanie Gopisingh was cremated according to the traditions she had honored her entire life. Her cremation was not just a physical farewell; it was a celebration of her journey through the cycle of reincarnation to a higher form of existence, one step closer to moksha. This moment was a reminder of her belief in a world beyond the visible, a world where the soul ultimately merges with the divine force. *Nanie's Legacy* Nanie Gopisingh left us with more than just memories. She taught us lessons about resilience, love, and the unbreakable bonds of family. She left behind a community that is richer for her presence and a family that inherits her strong spirit. Her life was a testament to triumph over adversity, a testament that love and strength can transcend generations. *Reflection* As Nickerie lives on, with its bustling market, its agriculture, and its community, the memory of nanie Gopisingh lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her story is an ode to the strength of the human spirit, a reminder that even in the midst of loss, there is beauty and hope. In Nickerie, where the Corantijn River marks the border with Guyana and the rice fields seem endless, nanie Gopisingh's story will live on. It is a story of love, loss, and the indelible mark one life can leave on a community. Her legacy is one of strength, and that will continue to inspire, generation after generation. Nickerie market Suriname June 3, 2022 reason eventually deceased cremation Gopisingh grandma, sales people Drigpal 2 days later my grandma passed away, she was My nanie/ grandma was a strong woman, she has been through a lot, had great setbacks. lost her husband over 30 years ago, and then 2 children. She was one of the descendants of the British-Indian contract workers, worked on the land until a few years ago. She experienced at a very young age the sacrifices that previous generations made and also their pain and suffering. We all said goodbye to our strong nanie. She left a beautiful message. Left behind strong people. Has conveyed much love. She was cremated. " She has completed the path of reincarnation cycle to a higher life form, closer to moksha: the soul will then merge with the divine power" PUBLIC MARKET NICKERIE The Brassaplein is the central place of Nieuw Nickerie. Most of the important buildings of the city are located here: The Public Market Nickerie, the police station, the police station and the post office.