Exploring The Beauty of the Essequibo Region in Guyana
Guest post by Marsha-Gay Robinson
Come with me on a tour of the Essequibo River, in Guyana. The Essequibo River is the country’s largest river and a treasure trove of natural wonders and cultural experiences.
Our journey started by bus from the garden city of Georgetown, across the Demerara Harbour floating toll bridge and onto Essequibo Islands-West Demerara. An interesting bit of history is that the bridge was commissioned in 1978 and was only expected to last ten years, however, it remains a major transportation link connecting the country’s capital city, Georgetown, to the western region of Demerara-Mahaica.
The Journey to the Essequibo Islands Begin
Upon arriving in the busy port village of Parika we boarded a speed boat to Fort Island. Traveling by speed boat was a new experience for me, a little scary at first, once onboard we were required to wear a life jacket. Travel via speed boats is the main means of transportation between the islands of the Essequibo.
Fort Island
Fort Island was once the Capital of the Colonies of Essequibo and Demerara during the 16th and 17th Centuries. We were led along a clay-brick walkway lined with beautiful flowering plants on both sides to the ruins of Fort Zeelandia, built in 1744.
We also visited the Court of Policy Hall which was once the legislative body of the Dutch, which currently houses the Dutch Heritage Museum. The museum holds a collection of bottles, ceramic pieces and other Dutch artefacts along with informational posters and maps.
Baracara Falls
Next up on our tour was Baracara Falls, located in the Mazaruni River. After we disembarked from the boat it was about a five minute walk through lush forested area to the falls. While not one of the more majestic or popular of the more that 300 major waterfalls, rapids and countless small falls in Guyana, this small and refreshing waterfall cascades down a series of steps and slopes and was a welcome stop on our tour.
After about 45 minutes we were back on the speedboat on our way to Fort Kyk-Over-Al, which once served as the centre for the Dutch administration of the county. Unfortunately the tide was too high to allow the boat to dock. So we made our way to the small mining town of Bartica, where we had lunch. Lunch was tasty and included baked chicken, mac n cheese, vegetable rice, garden salad and fresh fruit juice. The word Bartica is an Amerindian word which means “red dirt”. After lunch we took a five minute walk to the nearby, Golden Beach. The boardwalk was lined with small shops and wooden benches where you could sit and enjoy the wind on your face and watch the boats pass by. We took some photos and headed back to Georgetown.
This tour offers a glimpse of the diverse landscapes and culture of Guyana which promises a unique travel experience. So, if you are ever in Guyana check out one of these tours.
About Marsha-Gay Robinson:
Marsha-Gay Robinson is a Jamaican Information Professional and Researcher currently living and working in Guyana. In her spare time she likes to write about creating and maintaining work life balance.
Thanks, Marsha-Gay for providing this glimpse into Guyanese cultural heritage. Next week we are back with a mindful living feature.
Have you ever been to Guyana? Would you be interested in touring this region of the country?
When was the last time you embarked on a day trip to explore your country?
Talk again next week.
Chantel DaCosta
Chantel DaCosta is a storyteller, editor and lifestyle blogger. She is passionate about mental health awareness and Jamaican women's own-voices stories.
