The Ancient County lures visitors
visitors enjoying a tour of the canje creek
visitors enjoying a tour of the canje creek
Siparuta Beach

WELCOME to the Ancient County. The 36,234 km2 East Berbice-Corentyne (EB/C) region is located in the eastern part of the country, sharing external borders with Suriname, Brazil and the Atlantic Ocean. There are two main rivers in the region, namely the Berbice River and the Corentyne River. East Berbice -Corentyne boasts three of the nine towns in the country: New Amsterdam, Rose Hall and Corriverton and two riverain communities of Orealla/Siparuta and Bara Cara villages. There are also 18 Neighbourhood Democratic Councils under the Regional Democratic Council that manage the affairs of the region. The region is known for its rice, sugar, cattle, poultry and cash crops produced and cultivated in places such as Mara, Black Bush Polder and Crabwood Creek, etc. The residents are very welcoming and always hospitable to visitors.

Getting there
There are two main entry points to East Berbice-Corentyne. The first is by road from the Berbice car park in the capital city with a route 50 minibus to Rosignol Village, West Coast Berbice and then proceeding on to a route 56 minibus over the Berbice River Bridge. This leg can also be done using a hire car which can be accessed at the Berbice car park, Republic Avenue, Georgetown. From Suriname, the region can be accessed by boat arriving at Moleson Creek, Corentyne, which is an official port of entry.

Main Tourism Hotspots
Much that is of interest and value to tourists about the East Berbice – Corentyne is either little known or not marketed. Here are some of the hotspots of note.
The Canje Creek / Bara Cara

After crossing the Berbice River Bridge, turning south, you will proceed to Sheet Anchor village where you will see the fixed Canje River Bridge, which was constructed in 1978. It is 1,250 feet long, 33 feet wide and 45 feet high. Tours of the Canje Creek and to Bara Cara will start at the wharf under the Canje Bridge. Proceeding down the Canje Creek, one sees a variety of birds, including the national bird, the Canje Pheasant. Waiting to watch you pass safely by, and sounding his loud horn is the Howler monkey. Those are usually perched amidst the beautiful green scenery along the banks of the Canje Creek. One major feature is the village of New Forest, which is the home of the Canje Pheasant. Upon arrival at Bara Cara, there is potential for farm visits, fishing, swimming and camping.

New Amsterdam

The famous #63 beach

Upon entering the East Berbice-Corentyne region via the Berbice River Bridge, proceed south over the Canje River bridge for a scenic view of historic New Amsterdam, which can be seen from the top of the 45-foot high fixed concrete bridge. The town of New Amsterdam, which celebrates its 128th anniversary in 2019, is divided into three mini towns; namely Queenstown, Smythstown and Stanleytown. A drive along Main Street is an exciting history lesson as you view its ancient Christian architectural heritage such as All Saints Presbyterian Church; the Church of the Nazarene; Ebenezer Lutheran Church; All Saints Anglican Church; the Church of the Ascension and the Mission Chapel Congregational Church. All modern facilities are available such as hotels, nightclubs, shopping complexes, supermarkets and play parks. You cannot leave without visiting the New Amsterdam market, where they have available fresh fruits, vegetables, meat etc. and cold coconut water or snow cone.

The No 63 Beach
Upon crossing the Berbice River Bridge, one can view the newly built Indian Arrival Monument site. Turning north onto the Corentyne road, you will traverse the No 19 highway, which is reputed to be the longest straight road in the Caribbean (seven miles). Proceeding east, approximately one hour’s drive, you will arrive at No 63 village where the entrance to the beach is located. There are 10 miles of prime sand and sea for recreational purposes. One can enjoy relaxation, swimming, games, kite flying, and the cool Corentyne breeze.

Orealla/Siparuta
Orealla/Siparuta can be accessed from the two entry points in East Berbice-Corentyne previously mentioned. After crossing the Berbice River Bridge, turning north and proceeding along the No 19 highway, approximately one and a half hour’s drive along the Corentyne coast to the Guyana/ Suriname ferry terminal, located at Moleson Creek. One can also arrive at the Guyana/ Suriname ferry terminal at Moleson Creek from Suriname. You can now use the boating services of Rendy River Tours to be transported to Orealla/Siparuta. En route to Orealla/ Siparuta along the Corentyne River, one can see a number of islands including Mud Island, Snake Island, Three Sisters Island, McLennon Island, Bishop and Clerk Island, etc and Long Island, which is the longest in the Corentyne River. On arrival at Orealla, a different kind of excitement starts as you tour the village. Colourful birds chirp past you along scenic routes, or you can relax at the beach or the local market; accommodation is available for overnight guests. At Siparuta, which is a half-hour’s boat ride away from Orealla, you can enjoy a trip to the pine farm, sand hills, swimming at the beach and sport fishing for the famous perai and basha.

Special Events Planned for 2020

A Hilltop view of Orealla Village

DATE ACTIVITY February 2020 100m Sprint, Cross Country cycle Race March 2020 Mashramani Celebrations April 2020 ( Easter Monday) New Amsterdam Easter Jamboree May 2020 100m Sprint, Cross Country cycle Race 31st July – 9th August 2020 Berbice Reunion 2020 September 2020 Rose Hall Town Week of Activities September 2020 Indigenous Heritage Month celebrations in Orealla/Siparuta October 2020 New Amsterdam Town Week of Activities October 2020 Berbice Expo and Trade Fair 20th – 24th December 2020 Christmas Village Rose Hall Town

Regional Tourism Committee
The Regional Tourism Committee is in its early stage of operation; the work is presently being done by Mr Travis Isaacs and Miss Keisha Hamid of the EB/C Regional Democratic Council (Co-Chairs), Mr Wain Wright Mc Intosh, Deputy Mayor of New Amsterdam and Mrs Sheantta Lambert of the NA municipality; Miss Natasha Griffith, Mr Quacy Cort of the Rose Hall Town municipality and Mr Winston Roberts, Mayor of Corriverton.

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