Vriesland | |
---|---|
Village | |
Coordinates: 6°41′20″N 58°11′51″W / 6.6888°N 58.1976°W | |
Country | Guyana |
Region | Essequibo Islands-West Demerara |
Neighbourhood Council | Amsterdam/Vriesland |
Population (2012)
[1] | |
• Total | 530 |
Vriesland is a village in the Essequibo Islands-West Demerara Region of Guyana. It is located on the west bank of the Demerara River. [2]
Vriesland started as a sugar plantation in Demerara. In 1832, a total of 255 slaves was recorded. [3] The name is related to the Dutch province of Friesland, however the exact origin is unknown. [4]
Vriesland is bordered by a koker (canal). The Wales Sugar Estate used to own 16,000 acres (6,500 ha) of sugar cane fields along the koker, and was a major employer. [5] In 2016, Guyana Sugar Corporation, the owner, closed Wales Sugar Estate, [6] and the estate was divided into small lots to be sold as farmland. [5]
The economy is based on farming, fishing and shop keeping. [4] The health centre is in neighbouring Viva-La-Force while the secondary school is in Patentia. [5] Vriesland has access to water, electricity and telecommunications. [4]
In 2021, ExxonMobil announced plans to construct a natural gas processing plant near Vriesland. [7]