To those who have never visited the area, mention of its name suggests a place “way behind God's back” and in fact many – who are yet to visit this village – have referred to her in those very words.

Nestled 15 miles between the districts of Sangre Grande, in the county of St. Andrew/ St. David, and Rio Claro, in the county of Nariva/ Mayaro is the beautiful village of Biche.

Long, long ago the first inhabitants of the village, the Amerindians, named her after the numerous brocket or bucket deer that inhabited the area. Yes, if you have not realised it by now, the name Biche is an Amerindian word for deer.

Fr Michael Makhan, parish priest (right), wtith lay ministers Albert McKenzie and Ula Balbosa

Many of our forebears testified that deer were so plentiful, that is was a common occurrence to see them scurrying across tracks, or in back yards, and even in some kitchens when a back door was left open.

In recent times, like any other place, the village has gone through and is going through many changes, some positive – and others not so positive. One beneficial element that has remained is the closeness of the people. The villagers look after each other.

Leaving one's front door unlocked does not pose a problem for it is expected that the neighbours will take care of things in your absence. So strangers, be aware!

Biche is one of the numerous communities found within the Manzanilla Parish, which covers a wide area. Many events are, therefore, put in place to bring the Church communities together – an initiative of former parish priest, the late Fr Johnny Woods OP

Events including sporting activities, beach “limes” and a Parang Mass have been used to build a stronger community, and have continued with great encouragement from our non-resident parish priest Fr Michael Makhan, who has his unique style of reaching out to the people.

When a village prayed

“You heard our prayers and answered us O Lord.”

It was really a lesson about what happens when we place our trust in God for something and believe with our whole heart and mind that what we asked for will be given, even if science and human intelligence say that it is impossible. All things are possible with God.
“Thank you Lord, thank you Lord, thank you!”

One of the two Catholic schools within the Manzanilla parish can be found in Biche – the Biche RC School. Many of its teachers are practicing members of the Church community. Church activities often extends to and impact on school activities, and vice versa.

Biche school teacher Patricia Charles takes shelter from the rain

Recently the school celebrated its 49th anniversary as a teaching and sporting institution. Biche RC’s sporting activities are always well supported by parents and teachers (past and present) and also by the surrounding communities.

The big sports day was carded for Sunday, July 1, but at this time of the year one expects rain – lots of rain.

Many days of march past practice were put off because of the rain, everyone was deeply concerned, many predicted that the event would be postponed due to rain.

The teachers attempted to keep their cool and used every available space to practise. Some used the road leading to the school; others used the corridors within the school compound. And the rains continued to fall.

Greater intervention was sought. The school community and the villagers came up with a mission, a prayer mission. The teachers prayed for sun, the children prayed for sun, the villagers prayed for sun, the church community prayed for sun.

The weather forecast did not give any encouragement, the rains continued to fall and fall. But on Sunday, July 1, God answered our prayers. Some rain did fall, but the sun came out in its radiant glory, drying up whatever moisture there was.

We got sun, sun, and more sun. Everyone was happy. And in many conversations people could be heard giving thanks to God, for such a lovely day.

Needless to say the event was a massive success, all the hard work paid off. The villagers and visitors came out in large numbers, making the event something we will all remember for years to come.

Many expressed feelings of great anticipation for what is to come next year - our 50th anniversary. See you there.