An explorer’s guide to the village of Bethany
A SLOW drifting boat ride down the Supenaam Creek, under a canopy of trees that creates a peaceful atmosphere, leads you into the village of Bethany. A village with a unique name and origin, the riverine area is one of the oldest Amerindian missions in Region Two. With over 400 people, Bethany is well known, but very few take the trip to experience the community. Many know of the village as an indigenous community in the creek, but Bethany is far more. Blackwater creeks, white sandy beaches, and vast savannahs give Bethany a picture of serenity. This week the Pepperpot Magazine ventured into the hidden gem, with hospitable people and untouched natural beauty. Bethany is an escape that is very close to home, and more Guyanese should experience it.

Getting to Bethany
Bethany is one of the many indigenous communities in Region Two. Venturing into the mission requires a few hours of travel. Leaving Georgetown, eager adventurers cross the Demerara River towards the port community of Parika. From here, one may venture across the majestic Essequibo River either by steamer or speed boat. Whereas the big boats make for a relaxing trip, speed boats offer an exhilarating quick trip over the water. Once landing in the captivating community of Supenaam, this is where the true adventure begins. Travellers stopping in Supenaam use the village as a pitstop before going further inland. Boats leading into Bethany can be found along the Supenaam stelling. Once boarding a Bethany boat, the true nature of the creek and community can be seen from the water.

Laying along the banks of the Supenaam Creek, the village of Bethany covers several miles. Because of the prominence of logging and agriculture in the region, the river is lined with sawmills and farmlands. A vast assortment of homes can be spotted before entering what villagers call ‘the heart of the mission’. Bethany’s boats turn off the boat route towards the mission. Traversing through the narrow waterway to the village opens up an entirely new way of life. Along the banks where people have made their homes are children swimming and others venturing out to school by boats, while mothers use creek water to wash or perform chores. The centre of Bethany is a vision of beauty. A stelling is surrounded by the village’s logging concession health centre and information hub. Bethany is an undeniably majestic place that is still seeing development.

The story of our tour guide
Bethany is home to some of the most welcoming people the Pepperpot Magazine has had the pleasure of meeting. Among its 400 people is Zelisa Wilson. The vibrant and jovial 18-year-old was born and raised in the community, and she describes it as the definition of peace. Although she had visited along the coast and attended school in Aurora village, Zelisa has experienced the differences that come with life in Bethany versus that of life along the coast. As she stated, “We are a peaceful and quiet community. A place where people share love and communicate with each other. As a community, we are an Adventist community. We mostly go to church and the youths coming up now do church activities.” She further added that the people of Bethany are always ready to welcome visitors and to share the experience of their home. “We encourage people to come into the village and [we can] show them how Bethany is:- quiet and peaceful.”

Although a peaceful haven, life in Bethany presents some challenges because of its location, schooling for the community’s seventy children is difficult. Children leaving the community traverse the Supenaam Creek at five in the morning to reach school on time, which Zelisa says was just one of the schooling struggles in Bethany. As she shared, “The challenging things about my schooling were transportation and travelling. Every day to travel from home by boat and then by car on the coast, it was very challenging.” Today, the community boasts its own primary and nursery schools. This has more of an impact on the community than most would think. Bethany’s hundred or so learners are now closer to home. Zelisa is among the unfortunate few who did not get an opportunity to finish her education due to these challenges. She is, however, very happy to see her fellow villagers grasping a better chance at education. She shared, “I did not get to end my education. But as for now, it is easier to go to school. The government has provided transportation for the children too, which is the school boats.”

This has not stopped her ambitions, however. Throughout the Pepperpot Magazine’s visit to the beautiful community of Bethany, Zelisa played the role of tour guide. Her genuine love for her home underscores her vast knowledge and understanding of the village.
Growing up in Bethany, Zelisa stated that during her trips to other places in Guyana, Bethany’s beauty was something that she always saw as unique and utterly refreshing. Zelisa works in the community and often plays the role of tour guide, showing appreciation and understanding of the vast riverine area. Today Zelisa is embarking on a new mission. After the years she dropped out of high school, she focused on furthering her education and capabilities. She has undertaken training as a tour guide, among other ventures. Her true passion, however, is nature, making becoming a forestry officer her next big step. She shared, “Right now, I am a community service officer from the village and I like it. As I further my education, I want to become a forestry officer.” Zelisa is also a passionate advocate for her community, as she and her fellow villagers open up their homes to anyone willing to take the adventure.