– A budding community built on hard work and strong partnerships

A nation’s communities are its building blocks. In that same vein, as a community develops so does the nation. The development currently taking place in St Cuthbert’s Mission (Pakuri Villag)e is a direct result of the efforts of the members of the community and community development initiatives being undertaken.

Pakuri Village, formerly St. Cuthbert’s Mission, was recently renamed. “Pakuri” refers to the Platonia trees that were once common in the area and was the original name given to the village when it was founded in the late 1800s by Joseph Ferguson. Pakuri, with its 200 households, has been regarded as a “cultural capital” for Guyana’s Indigenous Peoples. The village comes alive during Indigenous Heritage Month when visitors numbering in the thousands travel to the village, which is located off the Soesdyke-Linden Highway, to celebrate Heritage Day.

Beverley Clenkian was recently elected Pakuri’s first female Toshao after winning the village’s elections this past May. She, along with the 11 other members of the Village Council, are continuing the work begun by the previous council in developing the community and further improving the lives of the villagers. A teacher by profession, Clenkian is Senior Mistress at the St. Cuthbert’s Primary School.

ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES IN THE VILLAGE
Logging is the main economic activity in Pakuri Village. Some villagers also engage in farming. In an interview, Clenkian related that most of the village’s men are employed by Aurora Gold Mines (AGM). She recalled that, years ago, logging opportunities took the community’s men far away. The employment opportunities that have been available to them since the company began hiring in the community have allowed the men to stay closer to home, while still earning for their families.

The development in the community is clearly evident. “You can see the difference,” she said, relating that the residents are building houses and owning motor vehicles. Their overall lifestyle has improved. “I think [the company] plays a great role in our community development,” related Clenkian. “Without work or money we are nowhere.”

Pakuri’s development is affecting its residents in real and meaningful ways. Mr. Benedict Kattow is a former employee of AGM. He was initially employed as part of an exploration team in the earlier days. He initially worked as a carpenter and spent a long period of time with the carpentry team. However, “I was actually an all-rounder with the company,” Kattow related, explaining that he would perform multiple tasks set to him. He was part of the team that prepared the company’s first airstrip in the area. After taking a break for a period of time, he applied for a position in camp administration where he was employed for two years. It was his wife’s illness that led to Kattow’s resignation from his position.

According to the village’s former Toshao Lenox Shuman, the partnership between Guyana Goldfields/AGM has imparted numerous gains. “We found a partner in Guyana Goldfields as a community and I think it has benefitted Guyana Goldfields in their mission in Guyana and it has also benefitted our community,” he said. “It has provided a significant degree of stability.” Additionally, from a community perspective, he related that such stability had been lacking for a long time. He noted that the company has also more directly contributed to Pakuri’s economic development by contributing to the village developing a small tourism product that it hopes to grow, which he ventured is still on the current council’s agenda.

STRONG FAMILIES
A community’s youths are at its heart and this is no exception in Pakuri. Clenkian observed that the community’s fathers are investing in their children’s education and enrollment has increased. She noted that the support of the village’s parents is instrumental to the continued role of the community’s schools. One of Clenkian’s aims, as both Toshao and teacher, is to see her community’s youths educated. “I always try to encourage the youths, to motivate them.”

The Toshao acknowledged that there are still ongoing challenges that the community is working to address. She related that alcohol abuse continues to pose a problem, especially among the village’s young people. Clenkian and the other older members of Pakuri are making efforts to sensitise youths regarding the harmful effects of alcohol abuse. There are also the usual conflicts that arise in communities when there are disagreements. However, “at the end of the day, we are one,” the Toshao said.

Pakuri Village is working toward taking its development even further by encouraging ecotourism. At the heart of the initiative is the community’s Eco-Lodge. It is hoped that the lodge project, which is benefitting from a donation by Guyana Goldfields/AGM, will encourage tourists to visit and enjoy the rich biodiversity that surrounds Pakuri. The contribution joins other sustainable partnerships that the company has entered into with past village councils, as part of its community development initiatives.

The Toshao also noted that safeguards will be put in place to ensure that the community and environment are protected. Additionally, of the project she said, “We’re starting it small, giving it a try to see the outcome.” She noted that the Council’s Tourism Councillor is in charge and is very passionate about tourism.

“Because of that we support him in that way, all of us,” affirmed Clenkian, pointing out that the village’s close proximity to Georgetown gives it an advantage as a tourist destination. “I think it will be good.”