Akawini community striving to preserve its heritage
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sought before the villagers can produce such items on a large scale.
Ecotourism is now next on the list for the community of Akawini because the pristine, raw jungle has much to offer to nature lovers. Only two percent of the community is cultivated land. The rest is filled with wildlife, lush rainforest and open savannahs with fertile agricultural lands. There is a variety of fish that can be caught in the pure black water, tropical flowering plants, vines and fruit trees and numerous species of tropical birds can be seen. Wilson said that there are even two nests of the magnificent Harpy Eagles.
“We are working with Adel’s Resort located right here in Akawini, in an effort to promote tourism. The resort is located at the mouth of the Akawini Creek which provides accommodation for persons who would like to visit the Pomeroon River and more so, Akawini. We are looking to buy things from our villagers such as hammocks, chairs, native clothing and whatever else they make, and we plan to display them at the Adel’s Resort, so whenever foreigners come there, they will be able to purchase them,” Wilson said.
Dazzling
Adel’s Resort offers nature walks which are led by the local indigenous people, bird watching sessions, and a butterfly safari where you can walk through the forest and photograph the dazzling butterflies that adorn the route. These experiences are provided by the resort which collaborates with the Akawini Village Council, as well as, the neighbouring Amer-indian community of Wakapoa.
An ecotourism lodge is also set to be built in the near future in Akawini where persons would have the chance to experience the exotic paradise for themselves. The material to build the lodge is presently being sourced so that it can be constructed as early as possible.
Even though villagers are involved in farming and fishing in the community to provide for their personal needs, the main economic activity is part time lumbering. Fishing and farming can be done on a large scale, but according to Wilson, there is no market for such activities.
On the School Island and on Barakaro, there are two hot-meal kitchens- a government initiative which provides hot meals each day for children attending school. The hot meal kitchens were built by the Council of Akawini and part of the funds was provided by the Ministry of Indi-genous Peoples’ Affairs. The women who usually cook on a daily basis are community members and are given a stipend each month. This activity provides a means of employment for the community.
Being almost 70 miles away from the nearest hospital at Charity, villagers have full access to the Community Health Post on Barakaro and the Health Centre on the School Island. Even though there are many gaps in the health system, the midwife along with the Community Health workers stationed at the centres provide the best possible care available to the community. Babies of first-time mothers are usually delivered at the Suddie Hospital on the Essequibo Coast, but the second or third child is delivered at the Health Centre in the community.
Electricity is provided by small solar systems which can power two bulbs, and were implemented in 2011 when the government introduced the Household Lighting System. However the solar system batteries are said to be old and need replacing.
Regional Vice Chairman Juliet Coonjah along with other regional administration councillors were present at the event which was dubbed “a huge success”.
In her remarks, Coonjah indicated the readiness of the Regional Democratic Council in dealing with issues that are affecting community members and promised to make full representations for the community.
The cultural celebration activities went late into Wednesday night as the heritage of the Amerindians was celebrated by one and all.