Plantation
“Tea is more than just a drink, it is a form of life art.....”
Rust en Werk (Rest and Work) is situated on the right bank of the lower Commewijne River. There is no fixed connection link. A comfortable boat ride of approximately 30 minutes from the Suriname river to the Commewijne river will take you to the historical agricultural plantation of VCM.
It is a special moment to see the transition and megingrching of these two rivers. Clearly noticeable is the difference in color of the water and the ripples on the water surface. With some luck you can even see some Guyana Dolphins during the boat ride while watching the mangrove trees on the right hand side of the Commewijne river. If you would like to pay a visit to the VCM plantations you can mail
The VCM plantations have so much to offer. From learning about strategies in cattle breeding to agriculture to experiencing nature. Come and enjoy a rich and cultural experience that in the course of time was developed here at the VCM plantations.
History
“Tea is more than just a drink, it is a form of life art.....”
“Rust and Werk” (Rest and Work) was originally a coffee plantation in 1750 and was founded by the former Governor of Suriname, Wigbold Crommelin. One mother coffee tree is still a last witness of that period. He owned this plantation together with the adjacent plantations “Lust en Rust” (Lust and Rest) and “Einde Rust” (End of Rest) Together these plantations were often named “Rust en Werk.” Amongst other things, cotton, sugar cane, and cocoa were grown hereproducts. After the abolishment of slavery, contract workers came to Suriname to keep the big plantations running.
The Unified Culture Societies N.V. (VCM N.V.) was established on October 30th, 1947 by the four Jamin brothers. The plantation and a couple of others became one big firm and the production of cocoa was the main target for the Rotterdamse Confectionery Manufacturer Jamin and Sons. Family van Alen bought the 8 old plantations in 1979.
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For more info: http:/vcm.sr/geschiedenis.html
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Present Day
“Tea is more than just a drink, it is a form of life art.....”
When the plantations were converted from coffee to sugar plantations, the much needed bar tracks were dug outged. One of these bar tracks is still currently used to take the by hand harvested moringa to the process unit.
The big water sluice is still at the site. The old coffee sheds and other buildings have disappeared long ago. Today there is a new plantation house. Beside the still modest moringa, soursop and marva growing, there is also a nice mix max of 6000 cows like Zebu’s, Cabbage Red cows and Frisian like cattle walking around. Mainly Indian Zebu’s because of their strength in resistance the warm and humid tropical weather. Almost all cattle have natural insect repellent visitors named the Kawfutu boi, (cow foot boy); the bird’s name a bird called this way in Sranan tongo.
Since the beginning of the last century there are only a few descendants of contract workers left on the plantations.
Approximately 50 families with only some of them working on the plantation.
The children of the village are attending school there as well. Tourists frequently pay a visit to the plantation.
For more information:
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