Sawariwau
Sawari Wa'o
Village
Sawariwau is located in Guyana
Sawariwau
Sawariwau
Location in Guyana
Coordinates: 2°40′24″N 59°39′13″W / 2.6732°N 59.6537°W / 2.6732; -59.6537
Country Guyana
RegionUpper Takutu-Upper Essequibo
Government
 • ToshaoGregory Thomas[1]
Population
 (2017)[1]
 • Total521

Sawariwau (Wapishana: Sawari Wa'o[1]) is a village in the Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo Region of Guyana. Sawariwau is inhabited by Wapishana Amerindians.[2] It is located about 70 miles (110 km) south of Lethem in the Rupununi savannah.[2] The main language spoken in the village is Wapishana.[3]

History

The name of the village translates to grandfather spirit of fishes. Sawariwau was founded by chief Suubau,[1] and is one of the oldest Wapishana villages.[2] Father Cuthbert Cary-Elwes, SJ was the first missionary to arrive in the village, and a church was constructed in 1919.[4][5]

Katoonarib used to be a satellite of Sawariwau, but has become independent.[6] Sawariwau was in a Neighbourhood Democratic Council (municipality) with Ireng and Lethem,[7] however the municipality was dissolved in 2012.[8] The village is again governed by a Toshao (village chief) with 11 councillors.[2] In 2013, the land was demarcated,[9] however as of 2017, the demarcation is still in dispute.[1]

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.[2] Internet connection is provided via free Wi-Fi.[10] Digicel has installed a communication mast in the village.[1] The village depends on rain water for drinking. There is no electricity other than private diesel generators and solar panels.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Sawari Wa'o village". Community Lands. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "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.
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