Moraikobai: An unpolluted haven
AFTER approximately an hour’s boat ride up the Mahaicony River, one encounters Moraikobai, a progressive Amerindian settlement that has managed to distance itself from the growing sense of conformity to the wider culture seen in most communities.
Its detachment makes it invitingly unpolluted by complicating variables, thereby holding out the promise of a simple life.
The only Amerindian settlement in Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice), Moraikobai is set apart from the chaos that blurs the line between what really matters and what often becomes life’s misguided struggle.
The Mahaicony River stretches some 90 miles, joining the Berbice River, and is dotted by a cross- section of people in different economic brackets.
It is simple living by all along this 90-mile stretch, and the approximately 1,800 people from the 900 households maintain nature’s balance that allows for a respect for the environment and all creatures that inhabit the surrounding areas – from the occasional jaguar that is seen roaming, to the monkeys swinging from the branches.
Village Councillor Ms. Veronica Clinton told the Guyana Chronicle that Moraikobai has a proud history.

Lots in a name
“We were St. Francis Mission before we changed the name to Moraikobai. The word is really two words: ‘mora’ means wood, and ‘tukobai’ translates to trunk of the tree. What it means is a long-lasting tree, and the word Moraikobai envisages the vision we have for our children – a rich and long-lasting heritage that they can take from and be proud of,” Clinton said.
She explained that the settlement had come a long way since the 1940s; and with consistent support from the current administration, Moraikobai has moved from being populated by five tool carrying Arawak families to what it is today.
The village councillor said, “We build step by step, and every day we are improving lives for the people here.”
According to her, Moraikobai’s population is not only Amerindian, but also East Indian and Chinese.
“When some of our young people leave here to go to school or to go for whatever business on the coast, they get involved with persons from the coast, and so we have a mix of people here…Here, life is about working together to see our community make progress,” Clinton said.
The simple life for many is fulfilling for those on the settlement; and while there are a few things that have been found lacking, such as advancing the communication system, steps are being taken to have those addressed.

Progressive moves     

Clinton noted that the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited (GT&T) has been engaged to improve the existing communication system.
“We have one phone booth and the residents usually use a phone card; but we are working on doing better,” she posited.
Shifting her attention to the education needs of the youngsters in the village, the village councillor noted that the children either go to the Moraikobai Nursery School then on to the Moraikobai Primary School, or to different schools along the river. Students are also afforded scholarship opportunities to further their studies.
“We need the teachers here to have upgraded training, and while we are working on this, the challenge is transportation in and out of Moraikobai for the teachers to access the training,” the village councillor said.
Turning her attention to health care at the settlement, Clinton pointed out that the primary challenge is transportation out of Moraikobai in the event of an emergency.
“We access the services we need to…groceries are a bit more expensive, but we have a way to go,” she said.

Transportation costs


Transport out of Moraikobai can cost as much as $60,000; and the challenge is obvious for persons who cannot afford this.
While access to the community is principally by the river, trucks also traverse the community by way of a trail that leads to Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara/Berbice).
However, this journey is much longer than the boat ride, but is convenient for business people plying their trade.
Moraikobai’s main economic activity involves lumber. This is followed by farming of cash crops such as cassava, plantains and other vegetables. Fishing and hunting are also activities undertaken by those with a market for the meats.
To bolster economic activity in the community, tours are conducted from the coast to the settlement.
“Those who are interested call, and they inform us; and once they have permission, they come in. We have a rest house where guests are accommodated,” Clinton said.

Community spirit
Several residents who spoke to the Guyana Chronicle contend that life in Moraikobai is what life in a community should be like – people working together for improved livelihood, while not losing sight of the important simple pleasures in life.
The ethos of simplicity, cooperation and family is one many other communities can emulate.
There is a difference in the quality of life for residents of the settlement, and Moraikobai holds a marked distinction for being an unpolluted haven. The ambience there is markedly different, and is the source of “the good echo” that follows those who venture to make the journey.