LOCATED on the bank of the Kariako Creek 127 ½ kilometres or 79 miles up the Barama River, Kariako is a remote Amerindian village huddling within lush green forests in the Region One (Barima/Waini) area of Guyana, popularly known as the North West District (NWD).

The narrow, winding Barama River runs from west to east across what can be regarded as ‘the top of Guyana’, and empties into the Waini River, which in turn empties into the Atlantic.

The intersecting rivers and creeks in this part of Guyana are like streets, one leading into the other; and walking or travelling in a vehicle for any significant distance is out of the question.

The river traffic ranges from the traditional dugout canoe occupied by three or four members of a family and being paddled noiselessly on the surface of the smooth, coffee-coloured waters, to boats equipped with engines of varying capabilities from 25 to 300 horsepower, and launches with inboard engines, quite a few of which operate as floating shops.

One way of getting to Kariako is by boating from Charity on the Pomeroon River into the Atlantic Ocean then back into the Moruca River, then into Bara Bara Creek, then into Biara River, then into the Baramanni River, then into the Waini, then into the Barama just off the village of Santa Cruz. This is a journey that can take anywhere from five to ten hours depending on the state of the Barama River in particular, which tends to lose water levels during the dry season.

Low water levels leave exposed numerous sandbanks, rocks and tacoobas, the ‘bush’ name given to floating logs from trees which have fallen into the river as a result of erosion of the banks.

Getting safely to Kariako depends on the skill of the boat operator and his or her knowledge of peculiarities of the river.

The passing rainforest scenery of beautiful flora and the occasional glimpse of fauna, mainly birds and monkeys, however, make the trip worthwhile.

Just over 500 persons populate this quaint and quiet village. The main occupation of the able-bodied men in the village is gold mining, while others plant vegetables and cash crops. And so, given the current high price of the precious metal, there is concomitant prosperity of the villagers.

The traditional Amerindian houses with thatched roofs are being replaced by wooden houses with zinc sheets and concrete materials brought all the way from Charity.

Mining activities in the environs of the village are proving to be the major reason for the improving fortunes of villagers.
Gold miner Phillip Smith, who lives in the village, has built a road from Kariako to Port Kaituma to facilitate his operations.
Port Kaituma is therefore now accessible to Kariako residents by road, and 4×4 vehicles are making Kariako a little less remote than before.