Home of the Sun-Kissed Parakeet nestled at the foothills of scenic mountains

DAVID Albert became the Toshao of Karasabai Village, Region Nine (Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo) six months ago. Since then, he has done a lot to improve the lives of the locals by implementing community-based projects to create employment within the community.

Karasabai is called the home of the sun-kissed parakeet, a golden bird that was nearly extinct due to trapping. Today, measures have been put in place to allow these birds to remain free in their natural habitat.

It is one of the natural wonders of this remote village, attracting visitors eager to see these birds that emerge in the mornings and evenings to the delight of residents.

Karasabai is a Macushi word. The village was named by the foreparents of the current locals, who were the first settlers in the area. Decades ago, they journeyed mostly from Region One (Barima-Waini) in search of a better life and settled in this community.

Toshao Albert told Pepperpot Magazine that the village was founded by the first settlers who came from Region One via canoes with paddles. It was a long trip to Karasabai, but they eventually founded the community. Families such as the Rodrigueses and the Atkinsons have descendants still residing there.

Albert reported that the population of Karasabai is 1,498, comprising mainly people of Amerindian descent, descendants of the first settlers and their families.

The village has several facilities, including an administrative centre, a Regional Democratic Council (RDC) building, a sub-district hospital that was recently upgraded, a regional guest house, a police station, an Amerindian hostel, a government building with self-contained apartments, a school that houses both nursery and primary sections, and a new secondary school under construction, expected to be completed by July of this year.

The Toshao stated that Karasabai Village also has an airstrip. The village is ranked number one among ten local travel destinations in the country due to its location, nature, and stunning landscape nestled among the mountains.

He disclosed that a few houses were damaged when the community was hit by high winds last year. Men on a Mission (MOM) visited and assisted with rebuilding five houses.

Albert told Pepperpot Magazine that the main economic activities in Karasabai include subsistence farming and livestock rearing.

The village plans to embark on a farming project, establishing a village farm and a shade house with a sustainable drainage and irrigation system. This initiative, funded by their $35 million carbon credit allocation, aims to provide steady employment for residents.

Albert added that they plan to construct a resource centre for skills training to empower young people and provide them with gainful employment. Meanwhile, others with Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) qualifications work with Community Service Officers (CSO), the RDC, and as teachers.

The Toshao also revealed plans to establish a new ICT hub, funded by the Office of the Prime Minister, specifically for educational purposes. This will benefit schoolchildren and those enrolled in the GOAL online scholarship programme.

The village currently has a library at the Karasabai Primary School, provided by the Ministry of Education, to promote reading among locals and schoolchildren.

Toshao Albert highlighted that their main focus for improving the lives of residents is on agriculture, with the goal of enabling commercial-scale farming. Youths are also encouraged to gain skills in carpentry, masonry, and mechanics as sources of employment in the village.

“Day-to-day survival in Karasabai Village is fair. Goods and services are within reach. There are shops, and competition keeps prices affordable. We shop in bulk from neighbouring Brazil, which is two hours away by vehicle. The village truck assists with transporting goods to this remote community, ensuring residents have access to basic food items,” Albert said.

Albert noted that there are many small shops in the village, which keeps prices reasonable for the average person. There is no shortage of food, as locals grow their own fruits and vegetables.

Karasabai Village can be accessed by air or land. Bus services are available from Lethem and Georgetown. From the city to Karasabai, it costs $18,000 one way per person, and a two-hour flight from Ogle International Airport costs $52,000 one way. From Lethem to Karasabai, it is $3,500 per person, with buses running on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

The main road leading to the far-flung village is made of laterite. Private vehicles and the village truck provide transportation for locals.

Albert envisions Karasabai Village as a community of development, with lucrative employment opportunities, a revived tourism product to attract visitors, and a model village farm that sets the standard for agricultural success.