The Green-thumbed Earth Spirit

Sweat trickles down our backs, as we brave the unforgiving afternoon sun, meandering through Goidhoo’s vegetable fields. From afar, the island doesn’t look quite so vast, nor does it seem difficult to navigate - but presently abandoned by our motorcycles, the abundance of green does impress.

In the five minutes next to forever, Abdul Bari Ali emerges between stalks and stems; looking very much like the quintessential island farmer complete with a jersey tee, faded jeans, ‘Clint Eastwood’ straw hat, swagger and all.