Sawariwau
Sawari Wa'o | |
|---|---|
Village | |
  Sawariwau Location in Guyana | |
| Coordinates: 2°40′24″N 59°39′13″W / 2.6732°N 59.6537°W | |
| Country |
Guyana |
| Region | Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo |
| Government | |
| • Toshao | Gregory Thomas [1] |
| Population (2017)
[1] | |
| • Total | 521 |
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
- ^ a b c d e f "Sawari Wa'o village". Community Lands. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
- ^ a b c d e f "Sawariwau". Ministry of Amerindian Affairs. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
- ^ Joanna Dhanraj (14 March 2021). "Grassroots group keeping traditional knowledge alive in the South Rupununi". Stabroek News. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
- ^ "Sawariwau Catholic Church celebrates 100 year". Antilles Episcopal Conference. 11 December 2019. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
- ^ "Fr Cuthbert Cary-Elwes SJ, Missionary among the Amerindians 1909-1923". Stabroek News. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
- ^ "Katoonarib village". Community Lands. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
- ^ "Neighbourhood Democratic Councils". Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
- ^ "NDC at Lethem dissolved". Kaieteur News Online. 16 July 2012. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
- ^ "Sawariwau land finally demarcated". Stabroek News. 25 December 2013. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
- ^ "eGovernment ICT Hubs connected to the eGovernment Network". National Datamanagement Authority. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
