Orealla
Deputy Toshao of Orealla, Charles Sarius (Samuel Maughn photo)
Deputy Toshao of Orealla, Charles Sarius (Samuel Maughn photo)

Bridging tradition and development

OREALLA is one of Guyana’s many picturesque places, where the only morning sounds are the rustle of trees and the noises of a few troublesome monkeys. Located fifty miles up the Corentyne River, the community lies at the furthest end of Guyana, rubbing shoulders with neighbouring Suriname. Of the more than one thousand two hundred people in the community, most are farmers and fishermen.

The people of Orealla and surrounding villages have crafted a unique and traditional way of life. However, the community of Orealla aims to show the rest of Guyana that tradition does not mean the absence of development. Currently seeking to reinvent their traditional sectors of agriculture, fishing, and boat building, the community is thinking of new and creative ways to solve some age-old issues.

A well-known community with a popular name, not many people are sure of where the term ‘Orealla’ originated. While some say the Arawak word means ‘white chalk,’ Deputy Toshao of the village, Charles Sarius, said Orealla refers to the white residue left behind by the river on the rocky shore, a title that gained popularity because of visiting coastlanders who used the white rocks as a way to pinpoint the then-small settlement.

The small community by the river has seen tremendous growth in recent times, with the country’s economic boom calling many Guyanese back to their roots. Sarius shared that he was happy to see the people of Orealla return, some after decades spent overseas. “Orealla is located approximately 50 miles up the Corentyne River. Our village population is about 1,200 plus. However, the population is growing,” he said. “About 20% of our villagers went abroad for job opportunities. With the current boom in Guyana, they are returning. So, our village is expanding rapidly.”

One of Orealla’s thriving shade houses (Samuel Maughn photo)

Historically, Orealla has had one of the most diverse economies among indigenous communities, with logging, boat building, fishing, and now tourism being some of the most prominent players in the village’s development. But agriculture has undoubtedly been more extensive than all other sectors combined. For decades, most of Orealla’s people have been sustained by farming, particularly pineapple and cash crops.

In recent years, however, the community has been battling the most unlikely of pests: monkeys. According to Deputy Sarius, monkeys far outnumber the farmers, with hundreds causing havoc on acres of farmlands. “The monkeys are eating our pineapples and other fruits. That is our main concern presently,” he explained. Parrots also destroy crops, with flocks ravaging groves of mangoes. “During the last mango season, we also had an invasion of parrots where thousands came and destroyed fruits. Not only the mangoes, which were in full season at that time, but different types of fruits,” he said.

The droves of animals have not always been a challenge for Orealla’s farmers, says Sarius. However, with the growth in logging, as more trees disappear, animals seem to be moving closer to the community. Although other communities might consider mass extermination, the people of Orealla are taking a more animal-friendly approach. With most farms scattered, the village council is discussing the ambitious move of centralising the farms in a single location. “From the village level, we are looking at getting all farms together. As it stands, these farms are scattered, and it is a disadvantage. If we have all the farms in one location, they will be better protected.”

Sarius explained that with all the farms together, the village would be able to protect their crops better. If successful, the farms will be maintained by the community, with security and a network of nets being discussed as the main forms of protection. The issue of marauding monkeys and parrots is also being addressed at the national level, with the ministry set to visit the community to aid in implementing these plans. This intervention is greatly welcomed by the community, as is their appreciation for the council’s ideas. “The government has been fulfilling its promises so far. They are doing their part. And we, as residents, also have a part to play. It will motivate people to focus on agriculture,” he said.

Agriculture has been the backbone of the village for many years, which may be why Orealla’s young people are less interested in the field. This is why the village council is working to reignite their passion for farming by introducing new projects to keep the age-old occupation thriving. “Presently, the young people are looking at agriculture as an old person’s job. So, we have changed that way of thinking. We must turn agriculture, our farms, into business,” said the Deputy Toshao. He further added, “We will target coconut growing, passion fruit, and other crops that are in high demand. And we have the workforce here.”

However, farming is not the only area the village is aiming to develop, with plans in motion to advance everything from drainage and irrigation to tourism and infrastructure. These diverse efforts aim to create a self-sustaining community that honours its indigenous heritage while embracing modern opportunities.

 

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