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  • 21 Aug, 2019

  • By, Wikipedia

Sawariwau

Sawariwau (Wapishana: Sawari Wa'o) is a village in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo Region of Guyana. Sawariwau is inhabited by Wapishana Amerindians. It is located about 70 miles (110 km) south of Lethem in the Rupununi savannah. The main language spoken in the village is Wapishana.

History

The name of the village translates to grandfather spirit of fishes. Sawariwau was founded by chief Suubau, and is one of the oldest Wapishana villages. Father Cuthbert Cary-Elwes, SJ was the first missionary to arrive in the village, and a church was constructed in 1919.

Katoonarib used to be a satellite of Sawariwau, but has become independent. Sawariwau was in a Neighbourhood Democratic Council (municipality) with Ireng and Lethem, however the municipality was dissolved in 2012. The village is again governed by a Toshao (village chief) with 11 councillors. In 2013, the land was demarcated, however as of 2017, the demarcation is still in dispute.

Overview

The economy is based on subsistence farming and cattle ranching. The village has a primary school, a secondary school, a health centre, and a community centre. Internet connection is provided via free Wi-Fi. Digicel has installed a communication mast in the village. The village depends on rain water for drinking. There is no electricity other than private diesel generators and solar panels.

References

  1. ^ "Sawari Wa'o village". Community Lands. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
  2. ^ "Sawariwau". Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
  3. ^ Joanna Dhanraj (14 March 2021). "Grassroots group keeping traditional knowledge alive in the South Rupununi". Stabroek News. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
  4. ^ "Sawariwau Catholic Church celebrates 100 year". Antilles Episcopal Conference. 11 December 2019. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
  5. ^ "Fr Cuthbert Cary-Elwes SJ, Missionary among the Amerindians 1909-1923". Stabroek News. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
  6. ^ "Katoonarib village". Community Lands. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
  7. ^ "Neighbourhood Democratic Councils". Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
  8. ^ "NDC at Lethem dissolved". Kaieteur News Online. 16 July 2012. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
  9. ^ "Sawariwau land finally demarcated". Stabroek News. 25 December 2013. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
  10. ^ "eGovernment ICT Hubs connected to the eGovernment Network". National Datamanagement Authority. Retrieved 16 December 2021.