Essequibo Islands-West Demerara, Administrative region in coastal Guyana.
Essequibo Islands-West Demerara is an administrative region located along Guyana's Atlantic coast, comprising numerous river islands and mainland areas. The territory includes multiple settlements connected by waterways, with Parika functioning as a key hub for regional connections.
The region underwent administrative reorganization in 1958 under British rule, when the Essequibo area was separated from the islands and West Demerara district was established. This restructuring shaped the territorial divisions that remain today.
The settlements here are defined by their location along the Essequibo River, where people gather in everyday spaces like local markets and places of worship. These communal settings reveal how residents maintain their ways and traditions.
Getting around this region requires using water taxis that depart from Parika, which serves as the main transportation connection point. Water-based travel is the primary way to move between settlements and islands here.
The Essequibo River system contains around 365 islands scattered throughout the region, with Hogg Island, Wakenaam, and Leguan being the largest three. This abundance of islands shapes the geography and gives the area its distinctive character.
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